"Yes, if you will permit me, Excellency, I shall have the honour of submitting it to you."
"Do so, my dear fellow, do so," the Chief said with a condescending smile, for he was convinced in his heart that his plan was the better of the two.
"Directly."
"But I have an idea."
"What is it?"
"Why, it is rather dark, and in order to judge of your plan—"
"A light would be necessary, I suppose you mean, Excellency."
"Why yes," the pirate replied, "I fancy it would prove useful."
"Pray do not put yourself out of the way," said the stranger, "I will procure one."
With the greatest possible coolness, he took off the feather that adorned his hat, and stuck it in the ground, when it suddenly burst into a flame, just as if it had been a torch. The Count was astounded at this marvel, but as, after all, he was a good Christian, and he was beginning to distrust his companion considerably, he mechanically prepared to cross himself. But the stranger eagerly caught hold of his arm.