"Stuff!" said Michael, with a shrug of his shoulders, "Men always say that, and when the moment arrives, they never fail to begin the same folly over again."
Belle Tête reflected for a moment, and then tapped Michael amicably on the shoulder, at the same time saying with a laugh—
"On my word that is true, brother; you are right, I believe that I should really behave as you say."
"I am certain of it," Michael replied, with another shrug of his shoulders.
During this aside, between the two adventurers, the ten minutes had elapsed.
"Brethren," said Montbarts, "we are about to proceed to an examination of the votes."
He looked: all the glasses were empty.
"You are unanimous," he said, "and that is well. Brother Belle Tête, you are elected governor of Port Margot."
"Brethren," the latter said, bowing all round, "I thank you for having given me your votes. I shall not deceive your expectations; our colony, even though I was obliged to bury myself beneath its ruins, shall never fall into the hands of the Spaniards, and you know me well enough not to doubt my oath. I intend to set to work this very day; for, as our admiral has very justly said, we have not a moment to lose. Confide the duty of guarding your interests to me."
"Before we separate," said Montbarts, "it would be as well, I fancy, to agree to keep our deliberations secret for a few days."