"To Genoa. Have you any commissions I can execute there?
"
"Thanks, not any. How is the Emperor?"
"So much the better."
The two vessels moved on, and soon lost sight of each other in the growing darkness. The other frigates had disappeared.
The next day dawned. There was visible a large frigate in the distance, but it was not moving towards the flotilla. No danger was to be feared from this source. But the vessel's head had been turned to the southward, to Taillade's surprise.
"Gentlemen," he called to the officers on the bridge, "are we bound for Spain or for Africa?"
Napoleon, who had perceived the same thing, summoned Taillade from his conference with the officers.
"Where are we?" he asked.