"Here is my savior, the most generous of men!" said Monmouth, embracing Croustillac.
Then James said a few words in the ear of Croustillac, who disappeared with Captain Ralph.
The duke, advancing to the edge of the stern of the brigantine, addressed himself to De Chemerant: "I know, sir, the projects of the king, my uncle, James Stuart, and those of the king, your master; I know that these brave gentlemen come to offer me their arms to aid me in driving William of Orange from the throne of England."
"Yes, yes, when you shall be at our head we will drive away these Dutch rats," cried Mortimer.
"Come, come, our duke, with you we will go to the end of the world," said Dudley.
"My lord, you may count on the support of the king, my master. Once on board, I will communicate to you my full powers," cried De Chemerant, ravished to see that his mission, which he had believed desperate, revived with every chance of success.
"Your highness, do you wish the long boat sent for you, or will you come in one of your own boats?" added De Chemerant; "and since your highness is interested in this miserable rascal, his pardon is assured."
"Make haste, noble duke——"
"Come as you wish, James—our James—but come at once!"
"Yes, come," said Mortimer, "or we will do as this rascal in green cassock and pink stockings; we will leap into the water like a band of wild ducks, to be the sooner with you."