"Come, come," said the engagé, "if the person who buys me is a man, he will have a good bargain."
"Going for forty crowns," the company's agent repeated, "forty crowns, gentlemen."
Montbarts turned to the engagé.
"What, you scoundrel," he said to him, "you a sailor and sell yourself instead of joining us? You have no pluck."
The Olonnais began laughing.
"You know nothing about it. I have sold myself, because I must do so," he answered, "so that my mother may be able to live during my absence."
"How so?"
"How does it concern you? You are not my master, and even if you were, you would have no right to inquire into my private affairs."
"You seem to me a bold fellow," Montbarts remarked.
"Indeed, I believe I am; besides, I wish to become an adventurer like you fellows, and for that purpose I must serve my apprenticeship to the trade."