"But there is another consideration of still greater importance. Your security in La Caroline is still a matter of uncertainty. You know not the extent of the late conspiracy. You know not who are sound, and who doubtful, among your men. Le Genré, Fourneaux, Le Genevois, and La Roquette, are still in the woods. You are weakening yourself, lessening the resources of the fortress, and may, at any moment----" "Pshaw!" exclaimed Laudonniere, with renewed impatience. "You are only too suspicious, Alphonse. You make too much of this conspiracy. It does not seem to me that it was ever so dangerous. At all events, the danger is over, the ringleaders banished and in the woods, and will rot there, if the wolves do not devour them. They, at least, shall not be made wolves of for me." D'Erlach bowed in silence. His mouth was sealed against all further expostulation. He saw that it was hopeless--that his captain had got a fixed idea, and men of few ideas, making one of them a favorite, are generally as immovable as death. Besides, Alphonse saw that the obligations which he had so lately conferred upon his commander, in baffling the conspiracy of Le Genré, by his vigilance, had somewhat wounded his _amour propre_. It is a misfortune, sometimes, to have been too useful. The consciousness of a benefit received, is apt to be very burdensome to the feeble nature. The quick instinct of Alphonse D'Erlach readily perceived the condition of his captain's heart. A momentary pause ensued. Lifting his cap, he again addressed him, but with different suggestions. "Am I to hope, sir, that you really design to honor me with this command?" "Certainly, if you wish it, Alphonse." "I certainly wish it, sir, if the expedition be resolved on." "It is resolved on," said Laudonniere, with grave emphasis. "I shall then feel myself honored with the command." "Be it yours, lieutenant. In one hour be ready to receive your orders." "One minute, sir, will suffice for all personal preparation;" and, with the formal customs of military etiquette, the two officers bowed, as the younger of them withdrew to his quarters. In one hour, he was on the march with twenty men, accompanied by Oolenoe and his dusky warriors. CHAPTER II.--THE OUTLAWS.