“The sooner Le Genré receives his orders the more time for preparations;” said the youth indifferently.
“He shall have them as soon as I go below.”
By this time Laudonniere was dressed and they descended the court together.
“Has he drunk,” asked Le Genré anxiously, with Forneaux and La Roquette on each side, as they beheld Bon Pre descending from the chamber of Laudonniere with the vessel in his hand. The old man raised the silver lid of the coffee-pot, and showed the contents.
“Diable!” was the half-suppressed exclamation of La Roquette.
“Enough, comrade!” said Le Genré, in a whisper—“it remains for me.”
They separated, and entered, from different points, the area where Laudonniere stood.
“Lieutenant;” said the latter, as Le Genré appeared in sight—“Take six men at noon and go up to the bluff of the old chief Satouriova and bring away the cypress canoe of which we took possession some time since. Launch her and bring her up. The tide will serve at that hour. Let your men be armed to the teeth, and keep on your guard, for you may meet the old savage on your way.”
Le Genré touched his hat and retired.
“It is well,” said he to Fourneaux, whom he had chosen as one of his companions, “that the commission did not send me off at once. I must make my preparation quickly and before I go.”