"What! Not in bed yet, little gossips?"
"No, brother, we waited until you came, that we might see you, and wish you good night," said Amandine.
"And then we heard you speaking very loud below, as if there were a quarrel," added François.
"Yes," said Martial, "I had some dispute with Nicholas, but it was nothing. Besides, I am glad to see you awake, as I have some good news for you."
"For us, brother?"
"Should you like to go away from here, and come with me a long way off?"
"Oh, yes, brother!"
"Yes, brother!"
"Well, then, in two or three days we shall all three leave the island."
"Oh, how delightful!" exclaimed Amandine, clapping her hands with joy.