“Ah, you’re going to imagine all sorts of things,” said Aleck, who felt that he must do something to keep his companion from brooding over his position.
“Look here; suppose I go up the passage and see if I can make out anything about Eben!”
Before he had finished speaking he became aware of how terribly the poor fellow had been shaken by his confinement. For the lad caught him spasmodically by the arm with both hands.
“No, no,” he panted. “Don’t leave me—pray don’t leave me.”
“Very well, then, I’ll stay,” said Aleck; “but I do hope the poor fellow will not be caught by the cutter’s men.”
Aleck felt sorry as soon as he had said these words, for his companion gave another start.
“You feel that he won’t come back?”
“I feel,” said Aleck, quietly, “that we seem to be wasting time. Have you got a knife?”
“Yes, of course.”
“So have I. Well, mine has a small blade; has yours?”