"Very good; warn the master that I wish him to take me on board. Be good enough to make haste, sir, for I am in a hurry."
The officer withdrew to carry out the order given him; the Major took some papers, doubtless important, from an iron casket, hid them under his coat, wrapped himself in his cloak, and left the castle, under the salute of the sentries who presented arms as he passed.
"Well?" he asked the officer who came to meet him.
"I have spoken to the master, sir, he awaits you," the other replied.
"I thank you, sir; now, return to the castle, and watch carefully over its safety till my return."
The officer took leave, and the Major proceeded toward a sort of small quay, where the lugger's yawl was waiting for him.
So soon as the governor was aboard, the smuggler let go the hawser, and set sail.
When the light vessel was well under weigh, the master respectfully walked up to the Major.
"Where are we to steer?" he asked, as he doffed his woollen nightcap.
"Ah, ah! is it you, Master Nicaud?" the governor said; for, accustomed to have dealings with the smugglers, he knew most of them by their names.