"Gentlemen," said Amélie, "a secret merits a secret. Of what force do you speak?" "Mademoiselle," replied the Italian, "we are not permitted to reveal the key of our society. But this much may I say: We are the mines which, in annihilating the present, shall become the basis of the future. Though having the appearance of pygmies, we are loosening the foundations of the columns which support giants. Our aim is to protect the weak." René listened with knitted brow and uneasy expression. Louis Pierre added: "We are vital reaction manifesting itself through convulsions. We are creating by destroying. Our program is to undo the done." "The program of Satan," murmured Naundorff involuntarily. "No one can speak those words with so little reason as you, Monseigneur," replied the other. "Did you not say just now that justice is realized in violence? Did you not speak of expiation? and of the iniquities of the past?" "Yes," answered Naundorff. "I am effacing the sins of a dynasty--its abuses, cruelties and indifference to human suffering." "Father," said Amélie, "we are effacing also its frailties and apostasies. Therefore, we must not temporize nor vacillate in critical moments. O, can you not comprehend that justice would be on our side at this moment if we might deal the usurpation a deadly blow?" "We are ready to serve your cause," said Giacinto. "Naundorff and his daughter may count upon our loyalty and we are those who walk by night through the bowels of the earth. The soles of our shoes are cork that our footsteps may not reach men's ears. Captain Soliviac," he concluded, suddenly turning toward the seaman, "you are commanding aboard this vessel. What route are we to take?" Soliviac's green Celtic eyes flashed. So far he had taken no part in the discussion, but now resolution stamped itself upon his face and his voice vibrated with authority, that authority of supreme moments when the ship ran great danger. "We are to take the route which the other ship has taken; we are to overtake her before she reaches France and capture her. She shall not touch French soil while Camille Soliviac is Captain of the Polipheme." The others were silent, comprehending the danger. No war raged on the seas; corsairs and pirates were restrained severely. "What other suggestion can you offer?" asked Soliviac. "None," replied Giacinto and Louis Pierre. "Such being the case--," and he turned to descend the stairway. "Captain," interrupted Louis Pierre, "the schooner is lighter and swifter than our brig. She has an enormous advantage." "No," replied Soliviac. "She is going at ordinary speed and is unconscious of our intention. Besides, she seems to be traveling backward while we have increased speed since the lulling of the storm. As soon as she is within reach of our cannon, we will salute and watch the effect. Therefore, let us drink each other good luck in another punch, after which Mademoiselle may retire to her state-room and pray for us."