"Who are you comrade, and what do you here?"
I was at a loss for reply. I had no faith in him, yet even a rotten stick might serve to get me out.
"I am trapped like yourself, and feared you all the night. God in Heaven what a long night it was."
Broussard had no words, his convulsive shudder expressed more than mine.
"Do you know how to get out of here?" I asked.
"Not I, except by the door, or the window," looking at that.
"I'll try the door," he continued, smiling the treacherous smile of the tiger. I remembered so well the first day he showed his teeth aboard ship. The man well knew I recognized him, he had heard me speak his name, and I feared if he found the door open he would shut me up again, and escape.
"I'll test the door softly and see what is outside," and he moved as if to put his thought in action.
"Hold on, not yet; methinks I'll try that door myself." I could see he had the same idea which had occurred to me, for he demurred.
"No, my fine sir; why you and not I?"