“Of course;” I replied.
The men then went away together, and ascending the breach through which Orlandi had appeared halted at the top of it, their figures standing out in strong relief in the moonlight.
Then I was able to take more particular note of this Orlandi. He was a tall man, who had fashioned his beard in exactly the same manner as young de Franchi, and was clothed like him; but his dress showed traces of more frequent contact with the bushes through which he was obliged to fly, and of the earth upon which he was obliged to lie, than did those of Lucien.
I could not hear what the men were talking about, and had I heard it I could not have understood it, as they spoke in the Corsican dialect.
But I was enabled to perceive by their gestures that the bandit was refuting with some heat a series of arguments which the young man was setting forth with an impartiality that did him honour.
At length the gestures of the Orlandi became less frequent and more energetic. His voice became subdued, and he at last bowed his head and held out his hand to the young man.
I concluded the conference was now over, and the men descended together towards me.
“My dear, sir,” said Lucien, “Orlandi wishes to shake you by the hand, and to thank you.”
“And for what?” I said.
“For being so good as to be one of his sponsors. I have answered for you!”