"Hum," said the Major, "even were he still there, I should scruple at making the poor fellow lose so much time in putting me ashore. These fishermen are not rich, and every minute you take from them makes them lose a part of the trifling profit of a long and hard night's work." The officer bowed, apparently sharing his chief's philanthropic ideas, although his face evidenced the surprise which the expression of such sentiments by a man like the Major caused him. "Are there no other boats here?" the Major asked, affecting an air of indifference. "I beg your pardon, sir, a smuggling lugger is just about putting out to sea." "Very good; warn the master that I wish him to take me on board. Be good enough to make haste, sir, for I am in a hurry." The officer withdrew to carry out the order given him; the Major took some papers, doubtless important, from an iron casket, hid them under his coat, wrapped himself in his cloak, and left the castle, under the salute of the sentries who presented arms as he passed. "Well?" he asked the officer who came to meet him. "I have spoken to the master, sir, he awaits you," the other replied. "I thank you, sir; now, return to the castle, and watch carefully over its safety till my return." The officer took leave, and the Major proceeded toward a sort of small quay, where the lugger's yawl was waiting for him. So soon as the governor was aboard, the smuggler let go the hawser, and set sail. When the light vessel was well under weigh, the master respectfully walked up to the Major. "Where are we to steer?" he asked, as he doffed his woollen nightcap. "Ah, ah! is it you, Master Nicaud?" the governor said; for, accustomed to have dealings with the smugglers, he knew most of them by their names. "Myself, at your service, if I can do anything, Mr. Governor," the master answered politely. "Tell me," said the Major, "would you like to earn ten louis?" The sailor burst into a hearty laugh. "You are joking with me, of course, Mr. Governor," he said. "Not at all," the Major went on, "and the proof is, here they are," he added, as he drew from his pocket a handful of gold, which he carelessly tossed in his hand; "I am therefore awaiting your answer." "Hang it, Mr. Governor, you are well aware that ten louis forms a very fine lump of money for a poor fellow like me; I am most willing to earn the canaries, what must I do for them?" "Well, a very simple thing! take me to St. Honorat, where I feel inclined for a stroll." "At this time of night?" the master remarked in surprise. The Major bit his lips on perceiving that he had made a foolish remark. "I am very fond of the picturesque, and wish to enjoy the effect of the convent ruins in the moonlight." "That is an idea like any other," the skipper answered; "and as you pay me, Mr. Governor, I can have no objection." "That is true. Then you will take me to Saint Honorat, land me in your boat, and stand off and on while waiting for me. Is that agreed?"