The figure which had thus stealthily effected an entrance, now sought the broad stairs that led to the governor's suit of apartments, with a confidence that evinced a perfect knowledge of the place. A second guard-post was to be passed at the head of the stairs; but, assuming an air of authority, the stranger offered a cold military salute and pressed forward, as though there was not the most distant question of his right so to do; and thus avoiding all suspicion in the guard's mind, he boldly entered the governor's reception room unchallenged, and closed the door behind him. In a large easy chair sat the commander-in-chief, busily engaged in writing, but alone. An expression of undisguised satisfaction passed across the weather-beaten countenance of the new comer at this state of affairs, as he coolly cast off his cloak and tossed it over his arm, and then proceeded to wipe the perspiration from his face. The governor, looking up with surprise, fixed his keen eyes upon the intruder,-- "Who enters here, unannounced, at this hour?" he asked, sternly, while he regarded the stranger earnestly. "One who has information of value for the governor-general. You are Tacon, I suppose?" "I am. What would you with me? or, rather, how did you pass my guard unchallenged?" "Of that anon. Excellency, you have offered a handsome reward for information concerning the rovers of the gulf?" "Ha! yes. What of them?" said Tacon, with undisguised interest. "Excellency, I must speak with caution," continued the new comer; "otherwise I may condemn and sacrifice myself." "You have naught to fear on that head. The offer of reward for evidence against the scapegraces also vouchsafes a pardon to the informant. You may speak on, without fear for yourself, even though you may be one of the very confederation itself." "You offer a reward, also, in addition, for the discovery of Marti,--Captain Marti, of the smugglers,--do you not?" "We do, and will gladly make good the promise of reward for any and all information upon the subject," replied Tacon. "First, Excellency, do you give me your knightly word that you will grant a free pardon to _me_, if I reveal all that you require to know, even embracing the most secret hiding-places of the rovers?" "I pledge you my word of honor," said the commander. "No matter how heinous in the sight of the law my offences may have been, still you will pardon me, under the king's seal?" "I will, if you reveal truly and to any good purpose," answered Tacon, weighing in his mind the purpose of all this precaution. "Even if I were a leader among the rovers, myself?" The governor hesitated for a moment, canvassing in a single glance the subject before him, and then said: "Even then, be you whom you may; if you are able and will honestly pilot our ships and reveal the secrets of Marti and his followers, you shall be rewarded as our proffer sets forth, and yourself receive a free pardon."