"What, why, you must be the demon!" the Count exclaimed in utter stupefaction.
The stranger rose, bowed to the pirate courteously, and answered him with great politeness and a most gentlemanly manner.
"In person, Excellency. On my honour," he added, "I never could leave a worthy man in a difficulty. I was affected by your perplexity, and resolved to come to your aid."
"You are most kind," the old sailor muttered mechanically, not knowing what he was saying.
"That is my motive," said the other, with a modest bow.
"Thanks; and you ask me—"
"I have told you already—a mere trifle."
"Still——"
"We shall come to an agreement; besides, I am too much of the gentleman to treat you as a greenhorn. Still, to keep things straight, just sign this simple agreement."
"Pardon me; but I cannot read. I can sign nothing; besides, you can easily understand that I am not at all desirous to give you my soul."