"Return to your cabin now, and await our decision."
The quartermaster retired, under guard of the two sailors.
"This villain might have been a great man," observed the major.
"Yes," replied Glenarvan. "He has a strong and self-reliant character. Why must his abilities be devoted to crime?"
"But Harry Grant?"
"I fear that he is forever lost! Poor children! who could tell them where their father is?"
"I!" cried Paganel.
As we have remarked, the geographer, although so loquacious and excitable usually, had scarcely spoken during Ayrton's examination. He had listened in total silence. But this last word that he had uttered was worth more than all the others, and startled Glenarvan at once.
"You, Paganel!" he exclaimed; "do you know where Captain Grant is?"
"As well as can be known," answered the geographer.