"So say I; but what shall be done with the boys meanwhile?"
A momentary silence followed; then came the deep stern words—
"Let them die."
This speaker was Toro.
The Italian's words were eagerly caught up.
"Aye, let them die; but when?"
"When you will," said Hunston; "I care not, so that we are lid of them. We see clearly that there is no counting upon these Harkaway people for the ransom set down by us, however reasonable our demands may be."
"True."
"Then, I say, let them die to-day."
"Impossible," said one of the brigands, stepping forth.