"Eh! eh!" said the Negro, who, up to this moment had remained silent, "am I not able to carry my master when he can walk no longer?"
The general pressed his hand.
"That's true, so far," said the doctor; "all is well, only you must escape."
"I should be most glad to do so, but how?"
"Ah! that," said the savant, scratching his head, "is what I do not know, for my part! But be at ease, I will find some means; at present, I don't know what."
Steps were heard approaching, and the captain appeared.
"Well!" he asked, "how are your patients going on?"
"Not too well!" the doctor replied.
"Bah! bah!" the pirate resumed; "all that will come round; besides, the general will soon be free, then he can get well at his ease. Now, doctor, come along with me; I hope I have left you and your friend long enough together to have said all you wish."
The doctor followed him without reply, after having made the general a parting sign to recommend prudence.