“And the rest to Pongaudin with the dawn,” said Toussaint.
“What is your pleasure concerning me?” asked Moyse. “I wait your orders.”
“I remember my promise,” said Toussaint; “but I must not leave my family unprotected. You will attend them to Pongaudin: and then let me see you at Cap, with the speed of the wind.”
“With a speed like your own, if that be possible,” said Moyse.
“Is there danger, father?” asked Génifrède, trembling.
“My child, there is danger in the air we breathe, and the ground we tread on: but there is protection also, everywhere.”
“You will see Afra, father,” said Aimée. “If there is danger, what will become of Afra? Her father will be in the front, in any disturbance: and Government-house is far from being the safest place.”
“I will not forget Afra. Farewell, my children! Go now to your mother; and, before this hour to-morrow, I shall think of you resting at Pongaudin.”
They saw him mount before the courtyard, and set off, followed by one of his two trompettes—the only horsemen in the island who could keep up with him, and therefore his constant attendants in his most important journeys. The other was gone forward, to order horses from post to post.
Vincent, having received written instructions from the secretary, set off in an opposite direction, more gay than those he left behind.