Chemerant found it hard to refuse this request, which in nowise interfered with the maneuvers of the frigate, as Captain Daniel engaged to follow the course of the Thunderer or allow himself to be abandoned. Nevertheless, De Chemerant refused. "You know well," he said to the captain, "that if, in spite of our escort, a corsair attacked you, a king's ship could not leave you defenseless. Again, you will hinder the maneuvers of the frigate. It is impossible." "But, sir, my rich cargo----" "You have guns, defend it. I will not allow you the convoy. It is impossible." "Alas! my good God! I, who have come expressly from St. Pierre to ask this favor from you!" said Daniel, in a dolorous tone. "Well, you will wait for another chance. I cannot cover you with my flag." "However, good sir----" "Enough!" said Chemerant, in a harsh and peremptory tone. Captain Daniel made a last reverence, and, retreating slowly to the staircase, he disappeared. "To see these merchants! To hear them one would think there were no interests in the world but those of their cargoes," said De Chemerant. "There are, however, very few circumstances in which one refuses an escort," said the governor, with an air of astonishment. "There are very few, indeed, baron, but there are some," said Chemerant brusquely, while withdrawing. Croustillac had been conducted to the finest apartment in the house. When he awoke night had fallen, and the moon shone with so brilliant a light that it illuminated his chamber perfectly. Croustillac looked out of his window; the two sentinels paced peacefully at the foot of the wall. "The devil!" said the adventurer. "It is decidedly impossible to make my escape on this side; there are at least twenty feet to descend just to fall on the backs of these sentinels, and they would find this manner of quitting the governor's house very singular. Let us look at the other side, then." Croustillac approached the door with a light step; but a bright light thrown on the floor showed him that the neighboring room was lighted and probably occupied. By the aid of a tinder-box which he found on the mantel, he lighted a candle, and dressed himself in his old clothes, with a melancholy satisfaction. They exhaled the strong and aromatic odor of the plants and herbs of the surroundings through which Croustillac had so long walked in his wanderings in the forest around Devil's Cliff.