am
on my way to Cap, and will send them."

"On your way to Cap!" cried every one--some in a tone of fear.

"To Cap," said he, "where Father Laxabon will follow me immediately,
with Monsieur Pascal. By them, Aimee, you will send your packet for
Isaac. My own horse is waiting."

"Do not go alone--do not go without good escort," said Moyse. "I can
give you reason."

"I know your thoughts, Moyse. I go for the very reason that there are,
or will be, troubles at Cap.--The French authorities may sometimes
decree and do that which we feel to be unwise--unsuitable to the
blacks," he continued, with an emphasis which gave some idea of his
having overheard more or less of the late conversation; "but we
islanders maybe more ignorant still of the thoughts and ways of their
practised race."

"But you are personally unsafe," persisted Moyse. "If you knew what is
said by the officers of Hedouville's staff--"

"They say," proceeded Toussaint, smiling, "that they only want three or
four brigands to seize the ape with the Madras head dress; and then all
would go well. These gentlemen are mistaken; and I am going to prove
this to them. An armed escort proves nothing. I carry something
stronger still in my mind and on my tongue. General Vincent, a word
with you."

While he and Vincent spoke apart, Aimee exclaimed, "Oh, Moyse! Go with
my father!"

"Do not--Oh, do not!" cried Genifrede. "You will never return!" she
muttered to him, in a voice of terror. "Aimee, you would send him away:
and my mother--all of us, are far from home. Who knows but that
Rigaud--"

"Leave Rigaud to me," cried Vincent, gaily, as he rejoined the party.
"I undertake Rigaud. He shall never alarm you more. Farewell,
Mademoiselle Aimee! I am going to the south. Rigaud is recruiting in
the name of France; and I know France too well to allow of that. I
shall stop his recruiting, and choke his blasphemy with a good French
sword. Farewell, till I bring you news at Pongaudin that you may ride
along the southern coast as securely as in your own cane-pieces."

"You are going?" said Aimee.

"This very hour. I south--L'Ouverture north--"

"And the rest to Pongaudin with the dawn," said Toussaint.

"What is your pleasure concerning me?" asked Moyse. "I wait your
orders."

"I remember my promise," said Toussaint; "but I must not leave my family
unprotected. You will attend them to Pongaudin: and then let me see you
at Cap, with the speed of