"Where will you get so much money?"
"You have no idea of the wealth of princes," said Nagato, astonished at this strange discussion. "I shall scarcely notice the outlay; so have no scruples."
"Good! good! If that is so, we accept," exclaimed the sailors.
"For that price you can have us cut into fifty pieces," said Raiden, who had not yet recovered from his surprise.
"You will run great dangers," said the Prince; "you must be bold and loyal."
"He who fights the sea has no fear of men," said a sailor; "we are accustomed to danger."
"Listen!" said Nagato: "you will choose among your boats fifty of the best and strongest; you will make no change in their peaceful aspect; you need not remove your fishing-tackle; but hold them ready to put to sea at the first signal."
"Agreed!" said Raiden.
"I will provide you with arms," continued the Prince, "but you will carefully conceal them; you must look like fishermen, and not like soldiers."
"Very good; we understand!" cried Raiden, as, standing with his arms folded, he listened attentively to the Prince.