"You may divulge them tomorrow without danger," Belle Tête continued; "but allow me, brethren, to choose from among you the few assistants I shall require."
"Do so," the filibusters answered.
Belle Tête named eight adventurers, whose blind bravery he knew, and then addressed the delegates for the last time, who were already rising and preparing to leave the ship.
"You remember, I trust that I am considered by you the leader of an expedition."
"Yes," they replied.
"Consequently you owe me the most perfect obedience to all the orders I shall give you in the common interest."
"Yes," they repeated.
"You swear, then, to obey me without any hesitation or murmuring?"
"We do."
"Very good; now farewell for the present, brothers."