"No matter," he said, pressing her, "too long a fast may be injurious to you; I insist on your eating."
"It is useless, father," she said with some hesitation.
"Eat, I say," he went on, "if not for your sake, for mine; eat a mouthful to restore your strength, for we know what awaits us in the next few hours."
"Alas! I would readily obey you," she said, letting her eyes sink; "but it is impossible."
"And why so, pray? When I tell you that I insist."
"Because I have nothing to eat."
These words crushed the bandit like the blow of a club.
"Oh, it is frightful," he muttered; "poor girl, pardon me Ellen, I am a villain, unworthy of such devotion as yours."
"Calm yourself, father, I implore you; I am not hungry, a night is soon passed, and tomorrow, as you said, we shall see; but before then, I am convinced God will come to our aid."
"God!" the squatter exclaimed, gnashing his teeth.