"Unfortunately, as I am appointed chief of an important expedition, which will probably last some time, it is impossible for me at this moment to take you back to Haiti."
The Indian's face grew dark on hearing this.
"Do not grieve, but listen to me attentively," the filibuster continued, who had noticed the change that took place in the Indian's face.
"I am listening to you."
"What I cannot do you are able to effect by yourself, if I supply you with the means."
"I do not exactly understand what the white Chief means; I am only a poor Indian, with limited ideas. I require to have things explained to me very clearly before I understand them; but it is true, that when I do understand I never forget."
"You are a Carib, hence you know how to manage a canoe?"
"Yes," the Indian answered, with a proud smile.
"Suppose I gave you a canoe, do you believe that you could fetch Haiti?"
"The great land is very far away," he said, in a sorrowful voice, "the voyage very long for a single man, however brave he may be."