The gravity of the Count was not proof against this speech, uttered with such despairing artlessness. He burst into laughter. "You are a charming companion," said he; "and, although our connection has commenced under such hostile auspices, I hope it will be lasting: that soon you will become one of our friends, and I shall be one of yours." "That will be a great honour for me, Monsieur le Comte," he answered, bowing. "Now that you have placed one foot on our secrets, it is necessary that you enter into them entirely." "Is it, then, absolutely necessary?" "Decidedly so." "It is curious how for the last few days fate has been pleased to pursue me and obstinately to make me a man of politics, when I should be so happy merely to paint pictures--I, who have only come to America for that purpose. It has been a splendid idea, certainly, and I have well chosen my time." "In the first place, it is necessary for you to make your decision." "I know it well, and that is just the reason why I am enraged; but as soon as I shall be able to act otherwise, I shall not hesitate a moment, I promise you." "Until a new order, it is indispensable that you remain with us--that you be in some sort our prisoner; but, reassure yourself, your captivity shall not be hard; we will make it, or at least we will try to make it, as agreeable to you as possible." "So you are going to deprive me of my freewill?" said the painter with a tragi-comic air. "It must be so for the present." "Hum! Well, I consent to it--the devil take politics! What occasion had I to come to San Miguel to accompany that old Dubois?" The two men started at that name. "You know the Duc de Mantone?" they exclaimed. "Ah, ha! You know whom I mean, it appears?" "The Duc de Mantone, formerly a member of the Convention, a senator under the Emperor Napoleon, who has come to America under the name of Louis Dubois?" said the count. "That is he. Why, then, did he urge me so strongly not to give him his title?" "Because he hoped not to be recognised. He comes here, hunted by the Bourbons for having voted the death of Louis XVI., to seek a refuge in this country, and to lend the insurgents the aid of his experience in conducting the revolution." "The fact is that he ought to know a great deal about this affair," said the painter, laughing. "But what were you saying about him? Was he really at San Miguel?" "I myself aided him to enter the town today." "You?" "Parbleu! He is a fellow countryman: and, look you, Captain, we were together when I had the honour of meeting you." "What! That tall old man with such a haughty look and such imposing features, who sat so firmly on horseback near you?" "The very same." "Oh, if I had known it!" cried the captain. "What would you have done, then?" "I should have captured him, ¡vive Dios!" "Then it is fortunate that you did not know him, for probably there would have been a skirmish." The captain took no notice of this remark. "Come," said he.