They had scarce landed ere a canoe, manned by four men, hailed the lugger. These four men were Lepoletais, whom we have already caught a glimpse of; one of his apprentices, L'Olonnais, and Omopoua, the Carib chief.
The Indian had nearly got rid of the European dress, and resumed that of his nation.
Montbarts went to meet his visitors, saluted them, and led them down to the cabin.
"You are welcome," he said to them. "In a few minutes the other leaders of the expedition will be here, and then we will talk. In the meanwhile, take some refreshment."
And he gave an engagé orders to bring in spirits.
Lepoletais and Omopoua sat down without pressing, but L'Olonnais remained modestly standing. In his quality of apprentice he dared not place himself on a footing of equality with the adventurers. At this moment Michael the Basque entered the cabin.
"Messmate," he said to Montbarts, "Captain Drake and David have just come aboard. They are waiting on deck."
"Tell them to come below. I want to talk with them.".
Michael went out. A few minutes after, he returned, accompanied by the two captains.
After the first compliments, the two officers drank a bumper, then took their seats, and awaited the communication which their chief was evidently about to make to them.