do not know how many parrots; and for
pearls, and perfumes, and spices, and variegated woods."

"Is it possible?" said Toussaint, smiling. "Does he really believe his
own stories? If so, that accounts for his staying with you, instead of
going with Isaac; which I wondered at. I thought he could not have
condescended to us, after having lived in France."

"He condescends to be wherever he finds most scope for boasting. On
Tortuga, or among the ashes of Cap, he can boast no more. With us he
can extol France, as there he extolled Saint Domingo. If August brings
the destruction we look for, the poor fellow ought to die of remorse;
but he has not head enough to suffer for the past. You can hold out
till August, father?"

"If Maurepas joins us here with his force, I have no doubt of holding
out till August. In these mornes, as many as will not yield might
resist for life; but my own forces, aided by those of Maurepas, may
effectually keep off the grasp of the French from all places but those
in which they are actually quartered. A few actions may be needful,--
morally needful,--to show them that the blacks can fight. If this
lesson will not suffice, August, alas! will exterminate the foe. What
do I see stirring among the ferns there? Is it more game?"

Placide started up.

"Too near us for game," he whispered; and then added aloud, "Shall we
carry home another deer? Shall I fire?"

At these words, some good French was heard out of the tall, tree-like
ferns,--voices of men intreating that no one would fire; and two
Frenchman presently appeared, an army and a navy officer.

"How came you here, gentlemen? Are you residents in the colony?"

"If we had been, we should not have lost ourselves, as you perceive we
have done. We are sent by the Captain-General to parley, as a last hope
of avoiding the collision which the Captain-General deprecates. Here
are our credentials, by which you will discover our names,--Lieutenant
Martin," pointing to his companion, "and Captain Sabes," bowing for
himself.

"It is too late for negotiation, gentlemen," said L'Ouverture, "as the
news from the south will already have informed the Captain-General. I
regret the accident of your having lost your way, as it will deprive you
for a time of your liberty. You must be aware that, voluntarily or
involuntarily, you have fulfilled the office of spies; and for the
present, therefore, I cannot part with you. Placide, summon our