The commandant, who for a moment had raised his head, bowed a second time with marks of the most profound respect.

Then stretching his hand out, in his turn, towards the poop, that is to say, towards his own cabin, he drew back to allow Aramis to go first.

The three Bretons, who had come on board after their bishop, looked at each other, stupefied.

The crew were awed to silence.

Five minutes after, the commander called the second lieutenant, who returned immediately, ordering the head to be put towards Corunna.
Whilst this order was being executed, Aramis reappeared upon the deck, and took a seat near the _bastingage_.