They went down to the waterside. During the walk, which was not very long, the Count's brow became more and more clouded; he fancied he could notice a certain sorrow on the faces of the officers and soldiers who were watching his departure—they whispered together, and pointed to the Count in anything but a reassuring way, and it gave him much cause for anxiety.
Every now and then he took a side-glance at the Major, but he appeared calm, and had a smile on his face.
They at length reached the boat, and the Major stepped aside to let the Count get into it first.
As soon as they were both in, the boat was pushed off. During the whole passage from the shore to the lugger the Count and the Major remained silent.
At length they came along side the little vessel, a rope was thrown to them, and they went up the side.
The yawl was immediately hauled up, all sail was set, and the lugger stood out to sea.
"Ah!" the Count exclaimed on perceiving Michael, "You are here, then I am saved!"
"I hope so," the latter replied; "but come, my lord, we have matters to discuss."
They went down into the cabin, followed by the Major.
"There, now we can talk, Captain—the first thing is to settle our accounts."