The Bohemian stood at the stem of the chebec, when Pog-Reis, hailing it from his galley, said to him:
“Ah, well! is that girl on board?”
“Yes, Captain Pog, and more, there is a linnet with the dove.”
“And Erebus?”
“Captain Erebus wanted to do what Captain Pog foresaw,” said the Bohemian, making an intelligent sign.
“I expected it Watch him. Keep the command of the chebec, sail in my waters, and follow my manoeuvres.”
“You will be obeyed, Captain Pog. But before parting from you, let me make you a present There are the papers and playthings of love belonging to a chevalier of Malta. It is, I believe, a story worthy of Ben-Absull. I got this treasure-trove from the cabin of the watchman. I thought I had found a diamond, and found only a grain of corn. But it may interest you, Captain Pog. There is a Maltese cross on the casket; everything which bears that hated sign returns to you by right.”
As he said these words, Hadji threw at the feet of Pog-Reis the carved silver casket that he had stolen from the ebony case belonging to Peyrou. This casket was wrapped in a scarf, designed to protect the broken cover.
Pog-Reis, little appreciative of the Bohemian’s attention, made a sign to him to continue his route.
The chebec took her place of headway behind the galley of Pog, and the three vessels soon disappeared in the east, directing their course with all possible speed toward the isles of St Honorât, where they intended to lie in for repairs.