“They have joined us,” said he. “The Doctor spoke with them whilst you and your Indian were gone away into the island, and they came over to us.”
“He must be a wondrous talker, then,” said I. “He must have——”
“A golden tongue,” said he.
“But what of the Indian?” said I. “He is not dead?”
“Nay, we found him with you in the boat. Both of you lay swooning; but the Indian revived apace, and is now with the rest of your company.”
On that a phantom hope came upon my mind, and I said:
“Is my brother.... Is the Captain alive also?”
“I do not know,” said Ambrose; but I thought he lied to me, and I said hotly:
“He was foully murdered in this evil——”
“Soft! soft!” said he, cutting me short, “if you will take my counsel,” said he in a low voice, “you’ll chasten your tongue. If the Doctor had heard you, you’ld not have an hour to live! And let me tell you, death is most dreadful here!”