"Not exactly; but Providence has arranged it; and, thanks to Providence, I have met the famous Rend-your-Soul." "Decidedly he is stupid," thought the chevalier. "I have nothing to contend with in such a rival; if the others are no more dangerous, it will be very easy for me to make Blue Beard adore me; but I must find the road to Devil's Cliff. It will be truly racy to be conducted thither by this bear." He spoke: "But, my brave hunter, alas! all glory is bought; I wished to see you, I have seen you." "Very well, go your way, then," said the buccaneer, expelling a cloud of tobacco smoke. "I like your brusque frankness, worthy Nimrod; but in order to go, I must learn a road thence, and I know none." "From whence came you?" "From Macouba, where I lodged at the house of the Reverend Father Griffen." "You are only two leagues from Macouba; my servant will guide you there." "How! only two leagues!" cried the chevalier. "It is impossible! I have walked since daybreak yesterday, until night, and since early morn until noon, and have I gone but two leagues?" "One sometimes sees boars and above all young bulls deceived thus, and make many steps almost without changing the inclosure," said the buccaneer. "Your comparison smacks of the art of hunting, and, noble following as it is, cannot shock a gentleman; then, admit that I have dodged about, even like a young bull, as you say; it does not follow that I wish to return to Macouba; and I depend upon you to show me the road I should follow." "Where do you wish to go?" For a moment the chevalier hesitated, and knew not what reply to make. Should he avow frankly his intention of going to Devil's Cliff? Croustillac sought refuge in a subterfuge--"I wish to go by the road to Devil's Cliff." "The road to Devil's Cliff only leads to Devil's Cliff, and----" The buccaneer did not finish his sentence, but his face became menacing. "And--where does the road to Devil's Cliff lead?" "It leads sinners to hell, and saints to paradise." "So, a stranger, a traveler, who has a whim to visit Devil's Cliff----" "Would never return from thence." "At least, in that case, one does not risk getting lost on the return," said the chevalier coolly. "'Tis well, my good friend, then show me the way." "We have eaten under the same roof, we have drunk from the same cup; I would not willingly cause your death." "So, in conducting me to Devil's Cliff, you kill me?" "It will come to the same thing." "Although your dinner was perfect, and your company very agreeable, my brave Nimrod, you almost make me regret it, as this prevents you from satisfying my wish. But what danger threatens me, then?" "All the dangers of death that a man can brave." "All these dangers--make but one, seeing that one can but die once," said the Gascon carelessly. The buccaneer scanned the chevalier closely, and appeared impressed by his courage as much as by the air of frankness and good humor which showed through all his extravagance.