They were joined by the person of whom they had been speaking. His approach was respectful--his manner civil--his tones subdued. There was certainly a change for the better in his deportment. A slight smile might have been seen to turn the corner of the lips of young D'Erlach, as he heard the address of the new comer. Le Genré began by requesting a private interview with his commander. Upon the words, D'Erlach went aside and was soon out of hearing. His prediction was true. Le Genré respectfully, but earnestly, solicited the command of the vessel about to sail for France. He was civilly but positively denied. Laudonniere had not been impressed by the suggestion of his youthful counsellor; or, if he were, he was not prepared to yield a vessel of the king, with all its men and munitions, to the control of one who might abuse them to the worst purposes. The face of Le Genré changed upon this refusal. "You deny me all trust, Monsieur," he said. "You refused me the command when my claim was at least equal to that of Ottigny. You denied me that which you gave to D'Erlach, and now--Monsieur, do you hold me incompetent to this command?" "Nay," said Laudonniere, "but I better prefer your services here--I cannot so well dispense with them." A bitter smile crossed the lips of the applicant. "I cannot complain of a refusal founded upon so gracious a compliment. But, enough, Monsieur, you refuse me! May I ask, who will be honored with this command?" "Lenoir!" "I thought so--another favorite! Well!--Monsieur, I wish you a good evening." "You have refused him, I see," said Alphonse, returning as the other disappeared. "Yes, I could do no less. The very suggestion that he might convert the vessel to piratical purposes, was enough to make me resolve against him." And, still discussing that and other kindred subjects, Laudonniere and his young companion followed in the steps of La Genré towards the fortress. CHAPTER II. That night the young Alphonse D'Erlach might have been seen stealing cautiously from the quarters of Laudonniere, and winding along under cover of the palisades to one of the entrances of the fortress. He was wrapped in a huge and heavy cloak which effectually disguised his person. Here he was joined by another, whom he immediately addressed: "Bon Pre?" "The same: all's ready." "Have they gone?" "Yes!" "Let us go." They went together to the entrance. The person whom Alphonse called Bon Pre, was a short, thick-set person, fully fifty years of age. They approached the sentry at the gate. "Let us out, my son," said Bon Pre; "we are late."