After visiting all the accessible parts of the island Jean satisfied
himself that it was useless to search further in them for traces of the
strangers. Persons so remarkable could not, it was clear, conceal
themselves from the knowledge of the inhabitants. He must therefore
either admit that the monk's surmise was correct, or must search in
quarters hitherto unexplored. Though his rejection of the former
alternative was a foregone conclusion, his adoption of the latter was a
remarkable proof of the strength of his passion. There was only one
district unexplored, and that was practically unapproachable.

Early in the sixth century some piratical vessels had entered Rocquaine
Bay in a shattered condition; the crews succeeded in landing, but the
ships, for seagoing purposes, were beyond repair. The pirates penetrated
inland, driving out the inhabitants from Torteval and some of the
adjoining valleys. Here they settled; and being skilled in hunting and
fishing, having a fair knowledge of husbandry, and finding the position
peculiarly adapted for their marauding pursuits, throve and prospered:
so much so that when, some years afterwards, they had an opportunity of
leaving, the majority elected to remain. Their descendants had continued
to occupy the same district. Who they were, whether pure Northmen or of
some mixed race, it would be idle to conjecture: they were originally
put down by the islanders as Sarrazins, that being the name under which
the simple people classed all pirates; the strangers, however, resented
this description, and had consequently come to be spoken of as Les
Voizins, a definition to which no exception could be taken. Hardy and
warlike, quick of temper and rough of speech, they had an undisputed
ascendancy over the natives, to whom, though dangerous if provoked, they
had often given powerful aid in times of peril. On the whole they made
not bad neighbours, but a condition was imposed by them the violation
of which was never forgiven: no native was permitted, under any pretext,