They will not come nearer. There
are but five men. I must risk it. Let the men go armed." In ten minutes
he was beside the Frenchmen, and seeing a young man in uniform at the
tiller, he said in French: "I am from that brig. She is loaded with
provisions for this port or San Domingo, late from the States."

"Very well. You are welcome. Run in. The vicomte will take all, and pay
well. _Foi d'honneur_, monsieur; it is all as I say. You are French?"

"Yes; an _emigre_."

"We like not that, but I will go on board and talk it over."

When on the _Marie_ they went to the cabin with the captains of the two
American ships. "And now let us talk," said De Courval. "Who commands
here for the republic?"

"Citizen Rochambeau; a good Jacobin, too."

De Courval was startled. "A cousin of my mother--the vicomte--a
Jacobin!"

"Is monsieur for our side?" asked the officer.

"No; I am for the king."

"King, monsieur! The king was guillotined on January 21."

"_Mon Dieu!_"

"May I ask your name, monsieur?"

"I am the Vicomte de Courval, at your service."

"By St. Denis! I know; you are of Normandy, of the religion, like
ourselves. I am the Comte de Lourmel."

"And with the Jacobins?"

"Yes. I have an eminent affection for my head. When I can, my brother
and I will get away."

"Then we may talk plainly as two gentlemen."

"Assuredly."

"I do not trust that vicomte of yours--a far-away cousin of my mother, I
regret to say."

"Nor would I trust him. He wished the town illuminated on account of the
king's death."

"It seems incredible. Poor Louis! But now, to our business. Any hour may
bring a British cruiser. This cargo is worth in peace twenty thousand
dollars. Now it is worth thirty-two thousand,--salt beef, potatoes,
pork, onions, salt fish, and some forty casks of Madeira. Ordinarily we
should take home coffee and sugar, but now it is to be paid for in louis
d'or or in gold joes, here--here on board, monsieur."

"But the cargo?"

"The sea is quiet. When the money is on deck, we will run in nearer, and
you must lighter the cargo out. I will give you one day, and only one.
There is no other way. We are well armed, as you see, and will stand no
Jacobin tricks. Tell the vicomte Sans Culottes I am his cousin, De
Courval. Stay, I shall write a note. It is to take on my terms, and at
once, or to refuse."

"He will take it. Money is plenty; but one cannot eat louis d'ors. How
long do you give us?"

"Two hours to g