The gentleman felt the sting, and did not deem it advisable to dwell on the subject. In fact, it was at Saint Domingo that the Spaniards inaugurated the frightful custom of training bloodhounds to hunt the Indians, and employing them as auxiliaries in their wars. The breakfast was concluded without any fresh incident worthy of remark, and the most perfect cordiality prevailed during the repast. When the masters had finished, it was the turn of the servants; that is to say, L'Olonnais whistled up the dogs, which in an instant were collected round him, and gave them their share in equal portions. The buccaneers, leaving their guests, and at liberty to employ their time as they thought proper, were soon actively busied in preparing their hides. Several hours passed in this way. About three in the afternoon a dog barked, and then held its tongue. We have forgotten to state that, after their meal, the dogs returned to their posts at a signal from the engagé. The two buccaneers exchanged a glance. "One!" said L'Olonnais. "Two!" Lepoletais almost immediately answered on a second bark, which broke out in a different direction. Ere long, like an electric current, the challenges of the hounds succeeded each other with extreme rapidity, raised in all directions. Still, nothing seemed to justify these warnings given by the sentries. No suspicious sound could be heard, and the savannah seemed to be plunged into the most perfect solitude. "I beg your pardon, caballero," Don Sancho said to Lepoletais, who continued his task with the same ardor, while laughing merrily with his comrade; "but will you permit me to ask you a question?" "Do so, do so, my good gentleman. It is at times well to ask questions: besides, if the question does not suit me, I shall be at liberty not to answer it, I suppose?" "Oh! Of course." "In that case, speak without fear." "For some minutes past your dogs seem to have been giving you signals--or, at least, I suppose so?" "You suppose right, caballero. They are really signals." "And would there be any indiscretion in asking you the meaning of the signals?" "Not the least in the world, señor, especially as they interest you quite as much as us." "I do not understand you." "You will soon do so. These signals signify that the savannah is at this moment invaded by several Fifties, which are manoeuvring to surround us." "_¡Diablos!_" the young man exclaimed, with a start of surprise: "And you do not feel more affected than that?" "Why anticipate anxiety? My comrade and I had a pressing job which we were obliged to finish. Now that it is done, we are going to turn our attention to the señores." "But we cannot possibly resist so many enemies?" "Ah! Ah! Do you really feel inclined for a brush?" "S'death! My sister and I are incurring quite as much danger as you, and we have not a minute to lose in attempting flight."