While the crew were repairing summarily and in haste the ravages of the gun-deck, stopping the leaks and putting back into position the guns which had escaped the disaster, the old passenger had gone on deck.
He stood with his back against the mainmast.
He had paid no attention to a proceeding which had taken place on the vessel. The Chevalier La Vieuville had drawn up the marines in line on either side of the mainmast, and at the whistle of the boatswain the sailors busy in the rigging stood upright on the yards.
Count du Boisberthelot advanced toward the passenger.
Behind the captain marched a man, haggard, breathless, his dress in disorder, yet wearing a satisfied look under it all. It was the gunner who had just now so opportunely shown himself a tamer of monsters, and who had got the better of the cannon.
The count made a military salute to the unknown in peasant garb, and said to him:
"General, here is the man."
The gunner held himself erect, his eyes downcast, standing in a soldierly attitude.
Count du Boisberthelot continued:
"General, taking into consideration what this man has done, do you not think there is something for his commanders to do?"