The page conducted Robert to a seat, and then placed himself, as the other had done, behind his chair.
Presently another man entered, likewise followed by a page.
He was a tall and well-formed man, and fine-looking, though his face was somewhat bronzed, and his beard was long, black, and very heavy, giving him a rather fierce expression.
He was clad in a suit of rich green velvet, ornamented with gold lace and seed pearls; while at his side there hung an elegant dagger, whose golden handle was brilliantly ornamented with jewels.
He greeted Robert in a very gentlemanly manner as he seated himself opposite him. Our hero returned the bow, without at all losing his self-possession.
He felt assured that he was in the presence of the chief of the band of smugglers.
And he was right.
“Did you rest well, Mr. Ellerton?” asked the chief, as he filled a plate with the good things spread before them and passed it to Robert.
“Very well, indeed, sir,” he replied, courteously; “but you have the advantage of me, for I cannot call you by name.”
“Weilman Weichel, at your service, and brother of the man whom you saluted with such warmth on entering his cottage yesterday,” replied the chief, with a smile, and bowing low.