At the same instant a drum beat under an archway near by. Canolles turned, and a second file of soldiers issued from the archway and took up a position behind the first.
The officer thereupon handed Canolles two keys.
"What does this mean?" the baron demanded; "what are you doing?"
"We are going through with the customary formalities in accordance with the most rigorous laws of military etiquette."
"For whom do you take me, in God's name?" exclaimed Canolles, amazed beyond expression.
"Why, for who you are,—for Monsieur le Baron de Canolles, Governor of Île Saint-Georges."
A cloud passed before Canolles' eyes, and he was near falling.
"I shall have the honor in a moment," continued the officer, "of turning over to Monsieur le Gouverneur his commission, which arrived this morning, accompanied by a letter announcing monsieur's arrival for to-day."
Canolles glanced at Barrabas, whose round eyes were fixed upon him with an expression of speechless amazement impossible to describe.
"So I am Governor of Île Saint-Georges?" faltered Canolles.