Still, it was evident that the adventurers had no intention of burning the unfortunate Spaniards alive; the fire lit by them had not sufficient consistency for that; the grass burned and went out again with extreme rapidity. Doubtless the sole result that the buccaneers had wished to obtain, was to cause a panic terror to their enemies, and cast disorder among them; and in this they had been perfectly successful. The soldiers, half roasted by the flames, fled, uttering cries of terror before this sea of fire, which seemed incessantly to pursue them, without thinking of looking back, or obeying their officers, and having but one thought, escaping the terrible danger that menaced them. While this was going on Lepoletais coolly explained to Don Sancho the probable results of the expedient he had employed. "You see, Señor," he said, "this blaze is nothing; it is an almost inoffensive straw fire; in a few minutes, or half an hour at the latest, it will be extinguished. If these men are cowards we shall have got rid of them, if not, they will return, and then the affair will be serious." "But, as you recognize the inefficiency of this means, why did you employ it? In my opinion it is more injurious than usual to our defence." The buccaneer shook his head several times. "You do not understand," he said; "I had several motives for acting thus. In the first place, however brave you may suppose your countrymen to be, they are now demoralised, and it will be very difficult to restore them the courage they no longer possess; on the other hand, I was not sorry to see clearly around me, and sweep the savannah a little, and lastly," he added, with a cunning look, "who told you that the fire I lighted was not a signal?" "A signal?" Don Sancho exclaimed; "Then you have friends near here?" "Who knows? Señor, my companions are very active, and are frequently met with when least expected." "I confess that I do not understand a word of what you are saying to me." "Patience, Señor, patience! You will soon understand, I assure you, and will not require any great effort of the intellect to do so. L'Olonnais," he added, turning to his comrade, "I think you had better go down there now." "That is true," L'Olonnais replied, as he carelessly threw his fusil over his shoulder, "he will be expecting me." "Take some of the dogs with you." "What for?" "To guide you, my lad; it is not easy now to find one's way through the ashes, for all the trails are covered." The engagé called several dogs by their name, and went off without replying, followed by a portion of the pack. "There," Lepoletais continued, pointing to the engagé, who seemed to be running, as he went at such a pace, "just look at that fellow, he is a fine chap, eh? And how he behaves, though he has not been more than two months in America; in three years from this time I predict to you that he will be one of our most celebrated adventurers."