"Then, bon voyage! God grant that they may not be retaken."
"Do you not fear that this flight may be prejudicial?"
"To me! Why?" cried he, with surprise.
"Have you not been indirectly implicated in their affairs?"
"That is true, but I believe I have nothing to fear now, and that the suspicions which had been excited against me have been completely dissipated."
"So much the better, master; however, if I may give you advice—believe me, be prudent."
"Come, talk candidly. I see behind your Indian circumlocutions a serious thought which possesses you, and which you wish me to share. Respect, or some fear that I cannot understand, alone prevents you from explaining yourself."
"Since you demand it, master, I will explain myself, especially as time presses. The flight of the two Spanish officers has awakened suspicions which were but suppressed; and now they accuse you of having encouraged them in their project of flight, and of having procured them the means of accomplishing it."
"I! Why, that is impossible! I have not once seen them since their arrest."
"I know it, master; however, it is as I say; I am well informed."