"I like your brusque frankness, worthy Nimrod; but in order to go, I must learn a road thence, and I know none."
"From whence came you?"
"From Macouba, where I lodged at the house of the Reverend Father Griffen."
"You are only two leagues from Macouba; my servant will guide you there."
"How! only two leagues!" cried the chevalier. "It is impossible! I have walked since daybreak yesterday, until night, and since early morn until noon, and have I gone but two leagues?"
"One sometimes sees boars and above all young bulls deceived thus, and make many steps almost without changing the inclosure," said the buccaneer.
"Your comparison smacks of the art of hunting, and, noble following as it is, cannot shock a gentleman; then, admit that I have dodged about, even like a young bull, as you say; it does not follow that I wish to return to Macouba; and I depend upon you to show me the road I should follow."
"Where do you wish to go?"
For a moment the chevalier hesitated, and knew not what reply to make. Should he avow frankly his intention of going to Devil's Cliff? Croustillac sought refuge in a subterfuge—"I wish to go by the road to Devil's Cliff."
"The road to Devil's Cliff only leads to Devil's Cliff, and——"