"What do you mean? Surely . . ." The two looked at each other. Patrice had been unable to dissemble the thought that occurred to his mind. Don Luis showed no resentment: "You're afraid that I shall run away with the three hundred millions? By jingo, it's a largish parcel to hide in one's jacket-pocket!" "Still," said Patrice, "may I ask what you intend to do?" "You may, captain, but allow me to postpone my reply until we've really won. For the moment, we must first find the barge again." They went to the Hôtel des Trois-Empereurs and drove off in the car towards Vernon. This time they were both silent. The road joined the river a few miles lower down, at the bottom of the steep hill which begins at Rosny. Just as they reached Rosny the _Belle Hélène_ was entering the long loop which curves out to La Roche-Guyon, turns back and joins the high-road again at Bonnières. She would need at least three hours to cover the distance, whereas the car, climbing the hill and keeping straight ahead, arrived at Bonnières in fifteen minutes. They drove through the village. There was an inn a little way beyond it, on the right. Don Luis made his chauffeur stop here: "If we are not back by twelve to-night," he said, "go home to Paris. Will you come with me, captain?" Patrice followed him towards the right, whence a small road led them to the river-bank. They followed this for a quarter of an hour. At last Don Luis found what he appeared to be seeking, a boat fastened to a stake, not far from a villa with closed shutters. Don Luis unhooked the chain. It was about seven o'clock in the evening. Night was falling fast, but a brilliant moonlight lit the landscape. "First of all," said Don Luis, "a word of explanation. We're going to wait for the barge. She'll come in sight on the stroke of ten and find us lying across stream. I shall order her to heave to; and there's no doubt that, when they see your uniform by the light of the moon or of my electric lamp, they will obey. Then we shall go on board." "Suppose they refuse?" "If they refuse, we shall board her by force. There are three of them and two of us. So . . ." "And then?" "And then? Well, there's every reason to believe that the two men forming the crew are only extra hands, employed by Siméon, but ignorant of his actions and knowing nothing of the nature of the cargo. Once we have reduced Siméon to helplessness and paid them handsomely, they'll take the barge wherever I tell them. But, mind you--and this is what I was coming to--I mean to do with the barge exactly as I please. I shall hand over the cargo as and when I think fit. It's my booty, my prize. No one is entitled to it but myself." The officer drew himself up: "Oh, I can't agree to that, you know!"