At the sight of Montbarts, however, whose name was justly celebrated, a passage was opened, and he thus succeeded in reaching the side of the governor, Chevalier de Fontenay, round whom the most renowned adventurers were collected, among them being Michael the Basque. Monsieur de Fontenay received Montbarts with distinction; he even rose from his chair and walked two or three steps to meet him, which the filibusters considered in very good taste, and felt grateful to him for it; this honour paid to the most celebrated among them cast a reflection on them all. After exchanging a few compliments with the governor, Montbarts bent down to Michael's ear. "Well, mate?" he said to him. "The Spaniard is aboard," Michael replied, "and carefully watched by Bowline." "In that case I can be at my ease?" "Perfectly." During this aside, the sale had been going on. All the male engagés had been sold, with the exception of one who was standing at this moment on the platform, by the side of a company's agent, who acted as auctioneer, and praised the qualities of the human merchandise he offered. This engagé was a short, stout, powerfully built man, from twenty-five to twenty-six years of age, with harsh, energetic, but intelligent features, whose grey eyes sparkled with audacity and good humour. "Pierre Nau, native of the sands of Olonne," said the company's agent, "twenty-five years of age, powerful and in good health, a sailor. Who'll say forty crowns for the Olonnais, forty crowns for three years, gentlemen." "Come, come," said the engagé, "if the person who buys me is a man, he will have a good bargain." "Going for forty crowns," the company's agent repeated, "forty crowns, gentlemen." Montbarts turned to the engagé. "What, you scoundrel," he said to him, "you a sailor and sell yourself instead of joining us? You have no pluck." The Olonnais began laughing. "You know nothing about it. I have sold myself, because I must do so," he answered, "so that my mother may be able to live during my absence." "How so?" "How does it concern you? You are not my master, and even if you were, you would have no right to inquire into my private affairs." "You seem to me a bold fellow," Montbarts remarked. "Indeed, I believe I am; besides, I wish to become an adventurer like you fellows, and for that purpose I must serve my apprenticeship to the trade." "Going for forty crowns," cried the agent. Montbarts examined with the most serious attention the engagé, whose firm glance he could hardly manage to quell; then, doubtless satisfied with his triumph, he turned to the agent. "That will do," he said, "hold your row: I buy this man." "The Olonnais is adjudged to Montbarts the exterminator, for forty crowns," the agent said. "Here they are," the adventurer answered as he threw a handful of silver on the table; "now come," he ordered the Olonnais, "you are now my engagé." The latter leapt joyously off the platform and ran up to him.