The mate was carrying away a part of the prestige that Ferragut exercised over the crew.

How could he explain his disappearance on the eve of an illegal voyage which exacted such great secrecy?
How could he rely upon the silence of everybody ?...

He remained pensive a long time, then suddenly leaping up from his armchair, he went out on deck, shouting to the seamen: "Where is Don Antonio?
Go find him.

Call him for me." "_Don Antoni!...

Don Antoni!_..." replied a string of voices from poop to prow, while Uncle Caragol's head poked itself out of the door of his dominions.
"_Don Antoni_" appeared through the hatchway.