All, up to that time, had transpired according to the will of Erebus.
Reine and Stephanette, released from their bonds, were respectfully deposited in the cabin of the chebec, which Erebus had arranged with the most scrupulous care.
The first feeling of alarm and amazement past, Reine recovered her wonted firmness and dignity of character.
Stephanette, on the contrary, after having valiantly resisted, yielded to a grief which was nothing less than desperate.
When Erebus presented himself, she threw herself on her knees before him, weeping in anguish.
Reine preserved a gloomy silence, and did not deign even to look at her captor.
Erebus then began to be frightened at the success of his venture. He was still under the influence of good and bad instincts which struggled within him for mastery. He was not an audacious ravisher; he was a timid child.
The sullen silence, the dignified and grieved manner of Reine, impressed him and pained him at the same time.
Hadji, during the whole time of their fatal expedition, had constantly repeated to Erebus that Reine loved him passionately, and that the first moment of shame and anger past, he would find the young girl full of tenderness and even gratitude. Making one courageous effort, he approached Reine with an insolent ease of manner and said to her:
“After the storm, the sunshine. To-morrow you will think only of the song of the emir, and my love will dry your tears.”