"Because, my friend, here in there is his most implacable, most ruthless foe," cried Durand.
"Here!" exclaimed Tom.
"Yes—here, in this island, in that room," replied Pierre Durand, pointing to the one they had left.
"Are you sure of his identity?" asked Mitchell.
"I have watched him for five years, followed in his track, known every movement he has made," said Durand.
"And he does not know you?" cried Tom.
"He knows me very well. He came over in my ship; we are the best of friends; he tried to buy me over."
"This is incredible," observed the outlaw.
"Yet true. I am his confidante, his devoted servant; I enter into all his views, and he counts on me as a slave."
Both young men burst out laughing.