When the pirates had left the grotto, the captain made a sign to the doctor to follow him, and conducted him to the general.
After having introduced them to each other with that ironical politeness in which he was such a master, the bandit retired, leaving them together.
Only before he departed, the captain drew a pistol from his belt, and clapping it to the breast of the savant—
"Although you may be half a madman," he said, "as you may, nevertheless, have some desire to betray me, observe this well, my dear sir; at the least equivocal proceeding that I see you attempt, I will blow your brains out; you are warned, so now act as you think proper."
And replacing his pistol in his belt, he retired with one of his eloquent sneers on his lips.
The doctor listened to this admonition with a very demure countenance, but with a sly smile, which, in spite of himself, glided over his lips, but which, fortunately, was not perceived by the captain.
The general and his Negro, Jupiter, were confined in a compartment of the grotto at some distance from the outlet.
They were alone, for the captain had deemed it useless to keep guards constantly with them.
Both seated upon a heap of leaves, with heads cast down and crossed arms, they were reflecting seriously, if not profoundly.
At sight of the savant, the dismal countenance of the general was lighted up by a fugitive smile of hope.