while the strange personage was silent, absorbed, and plunged in thought. I was regarding him with a melancholy interest, much as Œdipus may have looked at the Sphinx. After a long silence the commander again spoke:
“I have waited before speaking,” said he, “because I was thinking that my own interest may be in keeping with the natural consideration to which every human being has a right. You shall remain on board, since fate has thrown you in my way. You will be free here, and in exchange for this liberty, I will only impose one condition. Your word of honour that you agree to it will be sufficient.”
“Speak, Monsieur,” said I, “I have no doubt the condition is one that brave men may accept.”
“Certainly, and this is it. It is possible that certain circumstances may compel me to confine you to your cabin for some hours, on some days. As I have no wish to use force, I expect from you, above all, the most passive obedience. In acting thus, I take all responsibility off your shoulders, and you are free; for it will be my business to see that you do not become acquainted with what it is inexpedient for you to know. Do you accept the condition?”
“We accept,” I replied. “But I wish to ask one question—only one.”
“Speak, Monsieur,” he said.
“You have stated that we shall be free on board?”
“Entirely.”
“I would ask what you mean by such freedom?”
“Permission to go and come and look about as you please, to see all that takes place here. In fact the same freedom as I and my companions enjoy.”
