The doctor listened to this admonition with a very demure countenance, but with a sly smile, which, in spite of himself, glided over his lips, but which, fortunately, was not perceived by the captain. The general and his Negro, Jupiter, were confined in a compartment of the grotto at some distance from the outlet. They were alone, for the captain had deemed it useless to keep guards constantly with them. Both seated upon a heap of leaves, with heads cast down and crossed arms, they were reflecting seriously, if not profoundly. At sight of the _savant_, the dismal countenance of the general was lighted up by a fugitive smile of hope. "Ah, doctor, is that you?" he said, holding out to him a hand which the other pressed warmly hut silently, "have I reason to rejoice or to be still sad at your presence?" "Are we alone?" the doctor asked, without answering the general's question. "I believe so," he replied, in a tone of surprise; "at all events, it is easy to satisfy yourself." The doctor groped all round the place, carefully examined every corner; he then went back to the prisoners. "We can talk," he said. The _savant_ was habitually so absorbed by his scientific calculations, and was naturally so absent, that the prisoners had but little confidence in him. "And my niece?" the general asked, anxiously. "Be at ease on her account; she is in safety with a hunter named Loyal Heart, who has a great respect for her." The general breathed a sigh of relief; this good news had restored him all his courage. "Oh!" he said, "of what consequence is my being a prisoner? Now I know my niece is safe, I can suffer anything." "No, no," said the doctor, warmly, "on the contrary, you must escape from this place tomorrow, by some means." "Why?" "Answer me in the first place." "I ask no better than to do so." "Your wounds appear slight; are they progressing towards cure?" "I think so." "Do you feel yourself able to walk? "Oh, yes!" "But let us understand each other. I mean, are you able to walk a distance?" "I believe so, if it be absolutely necessary." "Eh! eh!" said the Negro, who, up to this moment had remained silent, "am I not able to carry my master when he can walk no longer?" The general pressed his hand. "That's true, so far," said the doctor; "all is well, only you must escape." "I should be most glad to do so, but how?" "Ah! that," said the _savant_, scratching his head, "is what I do not know, for my part! But be at ease, I will find some means; at present, I don't know what." Steps were heard approaching, and the captain appeared. "Well!" he asked, "how are your patients going on?" "Not too well!" the doctor replied. "Bah! bah!" the pirate resumed; "all that will come round; besides, the general will soon be free, then he can get well at his ease. Now, doctor, come along with me; I hope I have left you and your friend long enough together to have said all you wish."