Valentine leaped hurriedly into a canoe, and, before Don Antonio and the colonel could follow him, pushed off. Not noticing the signs his companions made him, the hunter proceeded rapidly in the direction of the ship, vigorously aided by the man already in the canoe, and who was no other than Curumilla. In a few minutes they reached the vessel. Louis perceived them from a distance, so that when they came alongside he received them, and helped them aboard. Even before embracing his foster brother, or pressing his hand, Valentine turned and looked searchingly along the beach.
"Good!" he said, "they have not found a boat yet. Come, brother, let us go down into your cabin, I must speak with you without delay."
"Let me, at least, say 'how do you do' to you," Louis remarked, with a smile.
"Come: we have not a moment to lose."
The count looked at the hunter, and saw that his face was grave. He understood at once that he had important news to communicate. He no longer resisted. He gave his orders hurriedly to one of his officers, to prepare everything for the debarkation, and followed his foster brother who was anxiously awaiting him. Louis led him into the modest berth which he had engaged during the passage, and prepared to shut the door.
"No," Valentine said, preventing him, "leave it open, on the contrary; in that way we shall see the persons who come."
"As you please. Speak."
"I have only two words to say to you; but they are two I would advise you to profit by."
"You may be sure of that."
"You have powerful enemies here. Who they are I know not; but they detest you."