Kate was selecting chambers for the newly arrived. Giacinto, continuing the rude gallantry he had begun at the table, followed her from room to room, whispering love speeches and pinching her round arms. Volpetti and Brosseur were drinking Malaga below. "Leave me alone!" cried Kate, pretending anger. "Darling, don't be so hard on me." "But I have work to do. These rooms must be got ready, and I have not been able to find them yet for the house is as full as an egg." "Let me walk with you until we find them, then." She could not resist this gallant offer, and together they promenaded through corridors and apartments. At last she said: "Well, I must give No. 10 to the master and 39 to the valet. They are not close together, but 'tis not my fault." "Who is in No. 8?" asked Giacinto, idly. "'Tis a double apartment, occupied by two Irish people who look like beggars. But a French Monsieur here has his eye on the girl. He spent a long time with them today." "Let them love each other. So do you and I." As the pair descended the stairway, Volpetti and his valet were coming up to their chambers. Giacinto kept well in the shade and hastened to join Louis Pierre beside whom a pleasant-faced man stood, dispatching a glass of rum. This was the captain of the Polipheme. "Do you wish to leave tonight?" asked the captain. "Or at dawn," replied Louis Pierre. "Be prepared to draw in anchor and have the sloop in readiness guarded by but one sailor." The captain hesitated. He drew his fingers through his hair as if about to object. "Well--" he began. "Captain Soliviac, do you realize that you _cannot_ refuse?" "Refuse? Impossible! I was about to say that there are some people in this inn wishing also to go to France. Do you object to their presence?" "Who are these people for whom you have so high a regard, Captain?" "Well one of them is the Marquis de Brezé." The Carbonari started. "What bond unites you to that sympathizer of the government?" "No political bond. My father was befriended by the elder Marquis and the young man has been my protector. Important matters urge his return to France." "Indeed! Well, the son of the Duchess de Rousillon is a strange companion for you, Captain." "Pshaw!" answered Soliviac. "He does not meddle with politics. His time is occupied in hunting and love making. He is doubtless hurrying to France to be reunited with some fair friend; or more likely still, the lady accompanies him now, for he said that two Irish travelers, an uncle and niece, were with him." The Carbonari exchanged a look; then Giacinto said: "Well, tell the Marquis he and his party may come." "I have received another application for passage," said the captain, "which I have refused." "From whom?" "From a gentleman bearing a marvelous resemblance to our countryman, the Viscount Chateaubriand. He has a stout fellow with him who must be his valet." The Carbonari flashed a look at one another. "How long since did he ask you?"