"And yet you have determined to deprive yourself of these luxuries forever," replied Durand.
"Man is ever insatiable. The unknown always did and always will attract him. He will ever quit the substance for the shadow. The fable is right. But let us talk of something else. Serious conversation after eating is folly," observed Oliver.
"You are quite right--some more rum in your coffee? It is an excellent thing. What do you think I have been doing since I saw you?"
"It is impossible for me to guess," cried Oliver.
The captain rose, went to the window, and gave a short whistle. After this, he returned to his seat, Oliver staring at him while he sipped his coffee.
Five minutes elapsed, and then in came several men, carrying various packets, which they placed on a side table, and went out without speaking.
"What does it mean?" cried Oliver, in comic astonishment.
"Then something can rouse you?" cried Durand, smiling.
"Never mind. You still intend going off tonight?" asked the captain.
"Certainly," said Oliver rising; "that reminds me--"
"One moment. We are old friends, and there should be no secrets between us," urged Durand.
"Do you want to lend me any?" cried Oliver.
"No matter if I did. But still I want an answer," urged Durand.
"I have eleven thousand francs in gold sewn in my belt, and in a bag fastened round my neck diamonds worth a hundred and twenty thousand more. Besides this I have about eighty guineas in English money for immediate expenses. Are you satisfied?"
"Perfectly," said the captain laughing, "and now listen to me."
"Then it appears you are not quite satisfied?" cried Oliver, in his turn surprised.
"Don't be in a hurry. I wish to interest you if I can."
"I will wait your pleasure," observed Oliver, smiling at the other's hesitation.
"It is useless," said Durand, "for me to feign a gaiety I do not feel. I feel more like weeping than laughing. The mere idea of this long, perhaps eternal, separation makes my heart bleed. I think that the hand now in mine I shall never shake again."
"Don't be downhearted. Perhaps we may meet sooner than either of us expect," retorted Oliver.
"I hope you may be a true prophet. Still I cannot help shuddering at the thought of your starting off amidst people whose language you do not even know."