Then the Governor informed his audience that nothing was changed in the colony, which would continue to be governed by the laws in force among the filibusters, that everyone would live in the same liberty as in the past, and that the measures taken were solely intended to protect the interests of all, and in no way to annoy the colonists, or subject them to a humiliating yoke. This final assurance produced the best effect on the crowd, and the Governor retired, amid shouts and the warmest protestations of devotion. Although Montbarts had chosen to remain obstinately in the background, all these ameliorations were solely due to him; Belle Tête had merely been a passive and submissive agent in his hands. When the Admiral, saw matters in the state he desired, he resolved to depart, and after a final interview with the Governor, he placed himself at the head of his filibusters, and left the town. Michael the Basque had departed several hours previously, entrusted with a secret mission, and accompanied by ninety resolute men. From this moment the expedition commenced; but what its result would be no one could as yet foretell. CHAPTER XXVIII. THE FLIGHT FROM THE HATTO. Without taking the time to peruse the letters that were handed him, Don Sancho concealed them in his doublet, and proceeded hastily to his sister's apartment. She was anxiously awaiting him. "Here you are at last, brother," she exclaimed on perceiving him. "What," the young man replied, as he kissed her hand, "were you expecting me?" "Oh, yes, that I was; but you are very late--what has kept you so long?" she asked, in agitation. "Where have I been? Why, s'death! I have been hunting, the only pleasure allowed a gentleman in this horrible country." "What, at this hour?" "Zounds, my dear Clara, a man gets home when he can, especially in this country, where we ought to feel very happy at reaching home again at all." "You are speaking in enigmas, brother, and I do not at all understand you; be kind enough, therefore, to explain yourself clearly--have you fallen into bad company?" "Yes, and very bad, too; but forgive me, my dear Clara, if you have no objection, let us proceed regularly. You desired to see me immediately on my return, and here I am at your orders; be kind enough, therefore, to tell me how I can possibly be of service to you, and then I will narrate the series of singular events with which my today's sport has been diversified. I will not hide from you that I have certain questions to ask of you, and certain explanations, which I feel sure you will not refuse to give me." "What do you mean, Sancho?" "Nothing at present; do you speak first, sister." "Well, if you insist on it--" "I do not insist at all, sister--I only request it." "Very good, I yield to your request; I have received several letters." "So I have; but I confess that I have not read them yet, and do not think they are of any great importance."