"Immediately."

"What a jest! it is worth its weight in gold."

We went on board the felucca, and the officer, who was delighted with the
pretty vessel, proceeded to examine it. I told my niece to keep him
company, and going to the master, whispered to him to let go directly.

"Directly?"

"Yes, this moment."

"But the abbe and your secretary are gone for a walk, and two of my men
are on shore, too."

"That's no matter; we shall pick them up again at Antibes; it's only ten
leagues, and they have plenty of money. I must go, and directly. Make
haste."

"All right."

He tripped the anchor, and the felucca began to swing away from the
shore. The officer asked me in great astonishment what it meant.

"It means that I am going to Antibes and I shall be very glad to take you
there for nothing."

"This is a fine jest! You are joking, surely?"