In this man the Major recognised Michael the Basque, the fisherman. After a moment's hesitation, the Major walked in, although the presence of this individual aboard the lugger was rather singular. Still there was nothing in the thing that should terrify the Major, who had no reason to suppose that Michael was hostile to him, or that he had anything to apprehend from him. At the noise made by the Major on entering the cabin, the sailor half turned to him, though without removing the pipe from his lips. After taking a pull at the glass he held in his right hand, he said in a bantering tone,-- "Why, if I am not mistaken, it is our estimable governor of St. Marguerite; delighted to see you, I am sure, Major." "Why," the Major replied, in the same key, "it's that worthy fellow, Michael. By what chance do I find you here, when I had a right to suppose you engaged fishing, at this moment, Lord knows where?" "Ah!" said Michael, with a laugh; "There's as good fishing here as anywhere. Won't you take a seat, Major, or are you afraid of compromising your dignity by sitting down by the side of a poor fellow like me?" "You do not think that," the Major answered, as he seated himself. "Don't you smoke, eh?" Michael asked him. "No; that is a sailor's amusement." "It is so, Major. But I suppose you drink?" The Major held out a glass, which the sailor liberally filled. "Here's your health, Major. If I expected to meet anyone, it wasn't you, I assure you." "I thought so." "Indeed I didn't." "Well, to tell you the truth, I did not expect to meet you, either." "I am aware of that. You have come from St. Honorat." "Hang it all! You cannot be ignorant of that fact, since I find you here." "It was on your account, then, that we lost two hours in tacking between the islands, at the risk of running on to a reef, instead of attending to our business?" "What do you mean by business? Are you a smuggler at present?" "I am everything," Michael replied, laconically, emptying his glass. "But what the deuce are you doing here?" asked the Major. "What are you?" the sailor said, answering one question by another. "I--I?" the Major began, in embarrassment. "You hesitate!" Michael continued, banteringly. "Well, I will tell you, if you like." "You, Michael?" "Why not? You went to St. Honorat to admire the beauties of nature," and he burst into a hearty laugh. "Is it not so?" "Yes. I have always passionately admired the picturesque. But that reminds me. I have forgotten to tell skipper Nicaud where I wish him to land me." And he made a movement, as if to rise. "It is unnecessary," the sailor said, obliging him to sit down again. "How? Unnecessary! On the contrary, I must do it, without further delay." "Still you have time, Major," the sailor said, peremptorily; "besides, I must speak with you first." "You speak with me?" the Major exclaimed, in stupefaction.