“May I know to what fortunate chance I owe the honor,” rejoined the captain, “of the visit which is now paid to me by the heir of one of the oldest and greatest families in Brittany?” Emanuel bowed again by way of thanks for this compliment, and then, after hesitating for a moment as if he found it difficult to open the conversation, he observed: “I am told, Captain Paul, that you are bound to the Gulf of Mexico?” “And you have not been deceived, sir; I purpose sailing for New Orleans, calling on my way at Cayenne, and at the Havannah.” “This falls out very fortunately, captain, and you will not have to alter your course, in case you should be willing to undertake the execution of the order of which I am the bearer.” “You have an order to communicate to me, sir, and from whom?” “From the Minister of Marine.” “An order addressed to me personally?” reiterated the captain, doubtingly. “Not personally to you, sir; but to any captain of the royal navy, who may be about to sail for South America.” “Of what nature is it, count?” “A state prisoner to be transported to Cayenne.” “And you have the order with you?” “Here it is,” replied Emanuel, taking it from his pocket, and presenting it to the captain. He took the paper, and going near the cabin window, that he might avail himself of the last gleam of daylight, he read aloud: “The Ministers of Marine and of the Colonies, orders any captain or lieutenant, commanding a government vessel, who may be about to sail for South America, or for the Gulf of Mexico, to take on board his ship and to land at Cayenne, the person named Lusignan, condemned to transportation for life. During the passage the convict shall take his meals in his own cabin, and shall not be allowed to have any communication with the ship’s company.” “Is the order in due form?” asked Emanuel. “Perfectly, sir,” replied the captain. “And are you disposed to execute it?” “Am I not under the orders of the Minister of Marine?” “The prisoner may then be sent to you?” “Whenever you will; but it had better be this evening, or as soon as possible, as I do not expect to be long in these roads.” “I will take care that due diligence shall be used.” “Is this all that you have to say to me?” “Nothing further, excepting to add my thanks.” “Do not add anything, sir. The minister orders, and I obey, that’s all. It is a duty which I fulfil, and not a service that I am rendering.” Upon these words, the captain and the count bowed to each other and separated, more coldly even than they had met. When he reached the deck, Emanuel asked the officer of the watch for his friend who had accompanied him on board, but was informed he had been detained by Captain Paul to sup with him, and that being anxious to oblige the count, he had placed his boat as his disposal.