Meanwhile the captain continued his explanations.
The two friends who were waiting a few steps off had seen the captain in Valencia and Barcelona many times.

One of them had recognized him immediately; but the other was doubtful whether it might be he, and, as a matter of conscience, the old skipper had come back to give him this warning.
"We countrymen must help one another....

These are bad times!" Seeing him standing, his two comrades now came up to Ferragut.

"What would you like to drink ?" He invited them to seat themselves at the table, but they were in a hurry.

They were on their way to see the consignees of their boats.
"Now you know it, Captain," said the skipper on bidding him farewell.
"These demons are after you in order to pay you up for something in the past.