"Nonsense! In that case, why do they hide their faces?"
"Probably, Master Crevel, because they do not wish them to be seen; and now send your lads to bed, being careful to lock them carefully into their attic, and after that we will see."
"Then, something is going to be done?"
"When you are told you will know. In the meanwhile, execute my orders."
"All right! all right!"
And Crevel, without any further urging, went off to carry out the order he had received, with the promptitude of a man who knows how to obey when he hopes to makes a profit by his obedience. When he had left the room, Wilhelm turned to his comrades, who, during the conversation, had remained motionless and apparently indifferent to what was going on.
"Up, gentlemen!" he said to them.
They all rose.
"Call down your companions from upstairs," Wilhelm said again.
One of the men went upstairs, and two minutes after the whole of the smugglers were collected round the German.