"What on earth can Pierre mean," muttered Oliver to himself, "by my doing nothing until we meet again? Probably he will try once more to change my resolution. He ought to know that once I make up my mind I never falter. He is a good fellow, the only man who has ever been my sincere and devoted friend--the only being in the world I am sorry to part from." Musing thus Oliver strolled about, looking listlessly at the streets, the shops, and particularly selecting those which, by-and-by, he would have to visit for the purpose of his outfit, which he would have to purchase after breakfast. An hour later the two men met in front of the hotel. Both were exact to a minute. They ordered breakfast in a private room. As soon as they had finished the captain opened the ball. "Now let us chat," he said. "With the greatest of pleasure," replied Oliver. "Nothing is more agreeable after a meal than to enjoy a cigar, a cup of coffee, and a friend's company." "And yet you have determined to deprive yourself of these luxuries forever," replied Durand. "Man is ever insatiable. The unknown always did and always will attract him. He will ever quit the substance for the shadow. The fable is right. But let us talk of something else. Serious conversation after eating is folly," observed Oliver. "You are quite right--some more rum in your coffee? It is an excellent thing. What do you think I have been doing since I saw you?" "It is impossible for me to guess," cried Oliver. The captain rose, went to the window, and gave a short whistle. After this, he returned to his seat, Oliver staring at him while he sipped his coffee. Five minutes elapsed, and then in came several men, carrying various packets, which they placed on a side table, and went out without speaking. "What does it mean?" cried Oliver, in comic astonishment. "Then something can rouse you?" cried Durand, smiling. "No, only I wondered." "Never mind. You still intend going off tonight?" asked the captain. "Certainly," said Oliver rising; "that reminds me--" "One moment. We are old friends, and there should be no secrets between us," urged Durand. "There shall be none," answered Oliver. "Have you much money?" asked Durand. "Do you want to lend me any?" cried Oliver. "No matter if I did. But still I want an answer," urged Durand. "I have eleven thousand francs in gold sewn in my belt, and in a bag fastened round my neck diamonds worth a hundred and twenty thousand more. Besides this I have about eighty guineas in English money for immediate expenses. Are you satisfied?" "Perfectly," said the captain laughing, "and now listen to me." "Then it appears you are not quite satisfied?" cried Oliver, in his turn surprised. "Don't be in a hurry. I wish to interest you if I can." "I will wait your pleasure," observed Oliver, smiling at the other's hesitation.