"Very good, sir. But it is a long way to Dolores, where lives the curé Hidalgo. The road is one of the most dangerous I know. I doubt if any agent, however clever, can reach him. Will you allow me to give you sincere advice?"
"Speak; I am deeply interested."
"My own opinion is that it would be much better to despatch a light vessel, schooner or brig, into the Gulf of Mexico. This vessel could cruise along the coast, and, when opportunity offered, land a confidential agent."
"You are quite right, sir," said the envoy, "I must say this means has been tried with success."
"Well, what then?"
"The secret was betrayed by a traitor; in consequence, the Spanish authorities are always on their guard."
"Hence you conclude—"
"That on reflection, and having experience as a guide, the difficult road you describe is the best."
"Hum!" said the outlaw, and relapsed into silence.
The real meaning, the interesting point, of this conversation, so long, had not been touched upon. The captain knew it well, and kept himself in reserve. M. Hebrard was for some time afraid to enter upon a frank and true explanation.