"I am ready to start, Mr. Governor; my soldiers are already on board the fishing boat, and we shall have left the island in ten minutes."
"Here is the letter you have to deliver into the hands of the Governor of Antibes, sir; remember my instructions."
"I will obey them in every point."
"In that case, Heaven guard you! and good-bye," the Major said, as he rose.
The officer saluted, and left the room.
The Major watched through the open window of his room; he saw him leave the fort, go down to the shore, and on board the fishing vessel; the sail was hoisted, and ere long the boat started, slightly heeling over under the power of the breeze.
"Ough!" said the Major, closing the window, with a sigh of relief—"that's one, now for the other."
But, before aught else, the old officer shut himself up in his room, burnt certain papers, pocketed others, put some clothes in a small valise, as he did not wish to take all belonging to him, through fear of arousing suspicions, and carefully wrapping up in his cloak a small and very heavy iron casket, which, doubtless, contained his ready money, he assured himself by a glance around that everything was in order, opened the door again, and called.
A soldier appeared.
"Beg Mess. de Castaix and de Mircey to come here," he said, "as I wish to speak to them."