"I only know the Count d'Artigas." "Thomas Roch," I persist, in a final effort, "the Count d'Artigas and Ker Karraje are one and the same person.

If this man has purchased your secret, it is with the intention of ensuring impunity for his crimes and facilities for committing fresh ones.

He is the chief of these pirates." "Pirates!" cries Roch, whose irritation increases the more I press him.

"The real pirates are those who dare to menace me even in this retreat, who tried it on with the _Sword_--for Serko has told me everything--who sought to steal in my own home what belongs to me, what is but the just price of my discovery." "No, Thomas Roch, the pirates are those who have imprisoned you in this cavern of Back Cup, who will utilize your genius to defend it, and who will get rid of you when they are in entire possession of your secrets!" Thomas Roch here interrupts me.

He does not appear to listen to what I say.