It was clear that Luchman looked upon the other as doomed beyond all hope, and he was in earnest in urging him to withdraw to one of the points named, where he could perish in the company of his countrymen.
"Why, then, shall I not go to Delhi, now so near at hand, and share the lot of my friends there?"
"Because your going there will make their danger greater; they may be saved if you keep away, but if you go they cannot."
This struck Dr. Avery as a heartless view of the situation, but he saw its meaning. Luchman so loved the missionary and his family that he was willing to give up his life for them. While he may have wished the young surgeon well, he was not concerned to an extent that would lead him to neglect those in Delhi; and looking upon him as the sailor whose additional weight is sure to sink the overladen craft, he wished to throw him overboard so as to save the rest.
Dr. Avery saw that his presence in Delhi might complicate matters and add to the peril of that loved family. If by withdrawing and taking to the mofussil, or interior of the country, he could improve their chance of escape, it was clearly his duty to do so.
But what true lover can be persuaded that his absence from his sweetheart is better than his presence with her? Avery did not believe the native was honest in what he had said.
"God speed you in your effort to befriend them! I am sure they need all that you can do; make haste, therefore, and never leave them till they are safe beyond the reach of those who clamor for their lives."
"What will you, sahib, do?"
"I will do the best to take care of myself. If I am doomed to die, it may be some consolation to have company. Will you take a letter for me to the daughter of the missionary?"
"It shall be done."