"Very well," cried Pierre; "I think that will be much more funny. I should like to join in the good work." "But, my friend--" urged the outlaw. "There is no but about it. I am a Breton, that is to say, as obstinate as several mules," continued Pierre Durand; "and I mean to come, unless, indeed, you tell me that my demand is in reality offensive and intrusive." "By no means," cried Tom; "come then. Who can resist anyone so obstinate as you are, my friend?" "You are a delightful fellow. I am ready." "Not quite; there are conditions; at least, one." "Pray let me know what it is." "You must profit by the few minutes that remain to us to disguise yourself, so as to be unrecognisable." "To what purpose, in a country where nobody knows me?" cried Pierre Durand; "Will you tell me a reason?" "That is my secret. Will you consent? That is right. Now go there, and you will find all things necessary." Pierre Durand was about to leave the room, but the outlaw indicated where everything was ready. "There is another favour I must ask of you." "Go ahead, nothing surprises me," said the captain, who, with magnificent sang-froid had commenced his work. "In case chance should bring us face to face with people we know," he said, earnestly, "you will still keep up your incognito, even if you happen to see among these the face of the friend whom you have travelled so far to see." The captain, who was blacking his beard with soot and fat, having already darkened his eyebrows, gave a start. "Will he be there?" he asked. "I do not say so. It is more than probable that he will not be there. Still, I wish to exercise every precaution." "Hum, still it appears very hard." "Still, do you consent? Yes or no." "I repeat what you just said. I suppose I must," said Pierre; "and as I see you are in earnest, I promise, on my honour." "Enough; then make haste." After rendering his features and countenance utterly unrecognisable, the captain threw off his outer clothes, and assumed the costume of a planter of the frontier. "What languages do you speak?" asked Tom. "Nearly all civilised ones as easily as I do French," replied Durand; "but, above all, English and Spanish." "Very good," continued Tom; "then during our excursion I shall always call you Don José Remero." "Don José Remero be it." "You must recollect that you are a captain in the Spanish navy, fled from home after a fatal duel." "All right," grinned Pierre. "Do not forget to take weapons. I can strongly recommend this tison. It is a perfect and choice rapier," said Tom; "have this long and pointed knife in your right boot. You may want it when you least expect. Do you ride?" "Like a centaur," laughed the Frenchman. "I am very glad to hear it; and now secure this carbine and this pair of pistols," continued Tom. "Why, I shall look like an arsenal." "My friend, it is the custom of the country," said Tom; "no one thinks of travelling in any other way."