"The great Savannah, that separates Mirebalais from San Juan de Goava." "Ah! The spot is famously chosen for an ambuscade," the filibuster said, with a sneering laugh, "for if I remember rightly, it is on Spanish territory." "It forms the extreme limit, brother. Still, I will try to induce the lady to choose another spot, if you are afraid about your safety at this one." Montbarts shrugged his shoulders with a contemptuous laugh. "I afraid!" he said. "Nonsense, monk, you must be mad! What do I care for the Spaniards, if five hundred of them were ambushed to surprise me, I should be able to get away from them! It is settled, then, that if the lady persist in her intention of having an explanation with me, I will go to the Savannah, which extends between Mirebalais and San Juan de Goava, at the confluence of the great river and the Artibonite." "I will do what you desire, brother; but if the lady insist, in spite of my remonstrances and entreaties, on the interview taking place, how am I to warn you?" "As it is possible for you to come here, you will be the better able; without attracting suspicion, to enter the French part of St. Domingo." "I will try, at any rate, brother, since it must absolutely be so." "You will light a large fire on the coast in the vicinity of Port Margot, and I shall know what it means." "I will obey you, brother: but when am I to light the fire?" "How long do you propose remaining here?" "I intend to leave immediately after our interview." "This evening, then?" "Yes, brother." "Ah, ah, then there is a Spanish vessel in the neighbourhood?" "Probably so, brother; but if you discover it and capture it, how shall I succeed in returning to Hispaniola?" "That is true; this consideration saves the Gavachos: but believe, after due reflection, I think it my duty to give you some advice." "Whatever it may be, brother, coming from you, I shall receive it with pleasure." "Well, then, carry out your intention. Start at once; tomorrow it will not be pleasant for you in these waters, and I would not answer for your safety or that of your vessel. Do you comprehend me?" "Perfectly, brother; and for the signal?" "Light it fifteen days from today, and I will arrange so as to arrive at St. Domingo about that time." "Very good, brother." "And now, monk, farewell till we meet again, as it is probable we shall do." "It is probable, indeed, brother. Farewell, and may the merciful Lord be with you!" "So be it," the filibuster said, with an ironical laugh. He gave a parting wave of his hand to the monk, threw his fusil on his shoulder, and went off, but a few minutes after stopped and went back. The Franciscan had remained motionless at the same spot. "One last word, father," he said. "Speak, brother," he answered, gently. "Take my advice, employ all your power over the lady to induce her to give up this meeting, whose consequences may be terrible."