The Spanish island lay before them with its large mounds, tall cliffs, and its mountains, whose peaks seemed hidden in the clouds, while on the starboard, Tortuga, with its dense, verdant forests, seemed a basket of flowers rising from the bottom of the sea. They had scarce landed ere a canoe, manned by four men, hailed the lugger. These four men were Lepoletais, whom we have already caught a glimpse of; one of his apprentices, L'Olonnais, and Omopoua, the Carib chief. The Indian had nearly got rid of the European dress, and resumed that of his nation. Montbarts went to meet his visitors, saluted them, and led them down to the cabin. "You are welcome," he said to them. "In a few minutes the other leaders of the expedition will be here, and then we will talk. In the meanwhile, take some refreshment." And he gave an engagé orders to bring in spirits. Lepoletais and Omopoua sat down without pressing, but L'Olonnais remained modestly standing. In his quality of apprentice he dared not place himself on a footing of equality with the adventurers. At this moment Michael the Basque entered the cabin. "Messmate," he said to Montbarts, "Captain Drake and David have just come aboard. They are waiting on deck." "Tell them to come below. I want to talk with them.". Michael went out. A few minutes after, he returned, accompanied by the two captains. After the first compliments, the two officers drank a bumper, then took their seats, and awaited the communication which their chief was evidently about to make to them. Montbarts knew the value of time, hence he did not put their patience to a long trial. "Brothers," he said, "I present to you Lepoletais, whom you doubtless know already by reputation." The adventurers bowed smilingly, and spontaneously offered their hand to the buccaneer. The latter cordially returned the pressure, delighted in his heart at so frank a reception. "Lepoletais," Montbarts continued, "is sent to me as a delegate by our brethren, the buccaneers of Port Margot and Port de Paix; I prefer to let him himself explain what he expects from us--in this manner we shall more easily arrive at an understanding. Speak, then, I pray, brother, we are listening." Lepoletais first poured out a glass of rum, which he swallowed at a draught, no doubt for the purpose of clearing his ideas; then, after two or three sonorous "hums!" he resolved to speak. "Brethren," he said, "whatever be the name given us--filibusters, buccaneers, or habitants--our origin is the same, is it not? And we are all adventurers. Hence, we are bound to assist and protect one another, like the free companions we are; but, in order that this protection may be efficient--that nothing may weaken in the future the alliance we contract today--we must, like yourselves, find some real profit in the alliance. Is not this the case?" "Certainly," Michael said, to encourage him.