"About what?"
"Why, this expedition."
"Ah, ah! I should like to do so, but unfortunately that is impossible."
"Only think of that! Why so?"
"I know very little."
"Ah!"
"Yes; and then I am of a very crooked temper. A person need only ask me to do a thing for me to refuse."
Valentine smiled, and drew his knife, whose dazzling blade emitted a bluish flash.
"Even if convincing reasons are offered you?"
"I do not know any," the bandit answered with a grin.