"That is the conduct of a good brother," the engagé answered with an ironical smile; "this is what I propose to you: tell the little lady in question that Montbart's engagé has orders to deliver a letter to her, and that if she wishes to have it, she need only come and fetch it." "What! Fetch it, where?" "Here; zounds! Lepoletais and I will set up a boucan at this spot; we will wait for the lady all tomorrow here: it seems to me that what I propose is simple and easy." "And do you believe," he answered ironically, "that my sister will consent to accept such an appointment made by a wretched adventurer? why, you must be mad!" "I do not believe anything, I make you a proposal, which you are free to accept or refuse, that is all: as for the letter, she shall only have it by coming to fetch it herself." "Why not accompany me to the hatto, that would be more simple, I fancy?" "It is possible, and that was my intention at first, but I have changed my mind; so settle what you will do." "My sister respects herself too much to take such a step, I am certain beforehand that she will indignantly refuse." "Well, you may be mistaken, my friend," the engagé said, with a knowing smile, "who ever knows what women think!" "Well, to cut short an interview which has already lasted too long, I will inform her of what you have said to me; still, I do not conceal from you that I shall make every effort to prevent her coming." "You can do as you please, it does not concern me; but be assured that if it be her wish to come, as I believe, your arguments will be of no use." "We shall see." "Mind not to forget to tell her that the letter is from Montbarts." During this conversation, which possessed no interest for him, Lepoletais, with the characteristic coolness and carelessness of buccaneers, was engaged in cutting down branches, and planting stakes to make the _ajoupa_ under which they would camp for the night. "You see," the engagé added, "that my comrade has already set to work; so good-bye till tomorrow, as I have no time for further talk, I must help to prepare the boucan." "Do as you please, but I am persuaded that you are wrong in reckoning on the success of the commission I have undertaken." "Well, you will see; at any rate mention it to the Señora. Ah! By the way, one word more, mind, no treachery." The young man did not condescend a reply: he shrugged his shoulders disdainfully, leaped on his horse, and galloped off in the direction of the hatto, closely followed by the Major-domo. On getting some distance away, he looked back: the ajoupa was already finished, and, as L'Olonnais had said, the two buccaneers were busily engaged in establishing their boucan, without paying any more attention to the Spaniards, who were doubtless prowling about the neighbourhood, than if they had been five hundred leagues from any habitation. Then he continued to advance thoughtfully in the direction of the hatto.