"Yes, I am weak, I own it--it is stronger than I." "What is this ship anchored not far from the frigate?" demanded De Chemerant of the master of the long boat, in order to change the conversation, out of regard for the feelings of the supposed duke. "That, sir, is a merchantman, which arrived last night from St. Pierre," said the sailor, respectfully removing his cap. "Ah! I know," said De Chemerant; "it is probably the ship of that fool of a merchant-captain who demanded our escort. But here we are, your highness--the lights are all out--you are not expected." "So much the better, so much the better; provided Mortimer is not there." "It seems to me that I see him on the bridge, your highness." Croustillac raised his mantle almost to his eyes. "Ah! there is the officer of the watch on the ladder. What a pity to arrive so late, your highness. It is to the beat of drums, the flourish of trumpets, that your highness should have been received, with the ship's crew presenting arms." "Honors to-morrow--honors to-morrow," said Croustillac; "the hour of these frivolities always comes soon enough." Chemerant drew aside to allow the Gascon to mount the ladder first. The latter breathed freely again on seeing on deck only an officer of marines, who received him with bared head and a profoundly respectful air. Croustillac responded with great dignity, and above all, very briefly, enveloping himself in his mantle with the utmost care, and casting uneasy glances around him, fearing to see the terrible Mortimer. Fortunately he saw only the sailors talking together or reclining by the side of the guns. The officer, who was speaking in a low tone to De Chemerant, saluting Croustillac again, said to him: "Your highness, since you command it, I will not awaken the captain, and I shall have the honor of conducting you to your cabin." Croustillac inclined his head. "Till to-morrow, your highness," said De Chemerant. "Till to-morrow," responded the adventurer. The officer descended by the hatchway to the gun-deck, opened the door of a large, wide cabin perfectly lighted by a skylight, and said to the Gascon: "Your highness, there is your cabin; there are two other small rooms to the right and left." "This is admirable, sir; do me the favor, I pray you, to give the strictest orders that no one enters my cabin to-morrow until I call. No one, sir, you understand--absolutely no one!--this is of the last importance." "Very well, my lord. Your highness does not wish that I should send one of the people to assist you to disrobe?" "I am a soldier, sir," said Croustillac proudly, "and I disrobe without assistance." The young officer bowed, taking this response for a lesson in stoicism; he went out, ordering one of the orderlies to allow no one to enter the cabin of the duke, and again ascended on deck to rejoin De Chemerant. "Your duke is a veritable Spartan, my dear De Chemerant," said he to him. "Why! he has not brought even a lackey."