He played his part well. Volpetti fell into the snare and requested to be put off at Havre, offering a good sum for the privilege.
"Providence has delivered this man into my hands," exclaimed René, overjoyed.
Volpetti agreed to be aboard by midnight, and on the departure of Soliviac, continued his preparations for the journey. He instructed Brosseur to have supper brought up to him, adding:
"Keep your ears open to what is said in the kitchen."
Soliviac was, meanwhile, being instructed by the Carbonari to take the Marquis and his friends aboard at an early hour. The captain accordingly sought René, informing him of what time he was expected. The Marquis answered:
"The Irish gentleman and lady will be at the ship by that hour, Soliviac. But I am not certain of going. If I do, I shall get to your vessel by means of a small skiff."
The Carbonari frowned when Soliviac repeated these words to them. Louis Pierre remarked:
"Deeper springs than love move the Marquis."
"I warned him," said Soliviac, "that he must be on time, else the Polipheme would sail without him, and he answered that he did not imagine that the vessel would leave before midnight."
The Carbonari exchanged a keen glance, and Giacinto said: