"I could not do otherwise than accept them; when it is a question about going with Montbarts, it is impossible to keep them back."
"Well, we will take them, if it must be so," Montbarts said with a smile, "give me your list."
Michael handed it to him; the filibuster looked round him, and perceived an agent of the Company, whom curiosity had kept back, and who had remained in the shed to witness the enlistment.
"You are a Company's agent, I think, sir?" he said to him, politely.
"Yes, sir," the agent replied with a bow, "I have that honour."
"In that case, may I ask you to do me a service?"
"Speak, sir, I shall be only too glad to oblige you."
"My companions and myself are no great clerks, and we can use a hatchet better than a pen; would it be presuming too much on your kindness to ask you to be good enough to serve as my secretary for a few minutes, and write down the charter party I shall dictate to you, and which my comrades will sign, after having it read to them?"
"I am only too happy, sir, that you deign to honour me with your confidence," the agent said with a bow.
Then he seated himself at the table, selected some paper, mended a pen and waited.