The filibuster turned back, hastily re-entered the town, and proceeded toward the sea.
He seemed to be seeking something. A moment later, his gloomy face grew brighter.
He had just seen a light canoe pulled up on the beach.
"Help me to float this canoe," he said to the engagé.
The latter obeyed.
So soon as the canoe was afloat, Montbarts leaped in, closely followed by his engagé; and seizing the paddles, they put off from the shore.
"Step the mast, so that we may hoist a sail so soon as we are free of the ships."
The Olonnais, without answering, did as he was ordered.
"Good!" Montbarts continued. "Now haul the sheets aft, and hand them to me, my lad."
In a second the sail was hoisted, set, and the light canoe bounded like a petrel over the crest of the waves.