"You Spaniards are good judges of that," the buccaneer replied, mockingly.
The gentleman felt the sting, and did not deem it advisable to dwell on the subject. In fact, it was at Saint Domingo that the Spaniards inaugurated the frightful custom of training bloodhounds to hunt the Indians, and employing them as auxiliaries in their wars.
The breakfast was concluded without any fresh incident worthy of remark, and the most perfect cordiality prevailed during the repast.
When the masters had finished, it was the turn of the servants; that is to say, L'Olonnais whistled up the dogs, which in an instant were collected round him, and gave them their share in equal portions.
The buccaneers, leaving their guests, and at liberty to employ their time as they thought proper, were soon actively busied in preparing their hides.
Several hours passed in this way. About three in the afternoon a dog barked, and then held its tongue.
We have forgotten to state that, after their meal, the dogs returned to their posts at a signal from the engagé.
The two buccaneers exchanged a glance.
"One!" said L'Olonnais.
"Two!" Lepoletais almost immediately answered on a second bark, which broke out in a different direction.