A more circumspect man than René would have retired from the keyhole after ascertaining this information, but he was transported into remaining. Just then Soliviac entered by the main door offering to take the Count and his valet to France on the Polipheme. His intention was to land at Dieppe, he remarked, unless Monsieur preferred some other port, in which case-- He played his part well. Volpetti fell into the snare and requested to be put off at Havre, offering a good sum for the privilege. "Providence has delivered this man into my hands," exclaimed René, overjoyed. Volpetti agreed to be aboard by midnight, and on the departure of Soliviac, continued his preparations for the journey. He instructed Brosseur to have supper brought up to him, adding: "Keep your ears open to what is said in the kitchen." Soliviac was, meanwhile, being instructed by the Carbonari to take the Marquis and his friends aboard at an early hour. The captain accordingly sought René, informing him of what time he was expected. The Marquis answered: "The Irish gentleman and lady will be at the ship by that hour, Soliviac. But I am not certain of going. If I do, I shall get to your vessel by means of a small skiff." The Carbonari frowned when Soliviac repeated these words to them. Louis Pierre remarked: "Deeper springs than love move the Marquis." "I warned him," said Soliviac, "that he must be on time, else the Polipheme would sail without him, and he answered that he did not imagine that the vessel would leave before midnight." The Carbonari exchanged a keen glance, and Giacinto said: "Let him do as he is minded, but keep your eyes open. This is to be our program: I remain ashore to track Volpetti and his servant. You, Captain, and Louis Pierre will be aboard the sloop. If Brezé happens to see us and asks to be taken aboard, he must be refused, on pretext of lack of room. Now, each man to his business." A half hour later, René descended the stairway accompanied by Miss O'Ranleigh, her face hidden by a large bonnet. Mr. O'Ranleigh followed, his hat pulled well over his forehead, and his coat collar high over his neck. But the keen eyes of Louis Pierre again perceived the resemblance and he muttered: "Accursed race!--Race which has brought reproach and invasion to France!--But who is this pair? And why does that young aristocrat pay them court?" As the two Carbonari walked down the wharf later in the evening, Louis Pierre said: "I am more strongly convinced that this is no love adventure. Be cautious, Giacinto. You stay behind to strike the blow." Following them came the Marquis and the two Irish passengers. René bade his friends farewell for a brief while, saying to the girl in a low voice: "Fear nothing. I shall succeed." "I wonder if this is a countermine, a cord set to entangle our own net," meditated Giacinto.