We had often talked like this, but now there seemed more purpose and earnestness in my chum's manner. I looked at him closely as we returned to our quarters, and wondered if he had decided to run the risk.
"A quarter of a mile isn't a long swim, is it?" he said, after a time.
"Oh no!" I agreed cheerfully.
"And we might easily save sufficient food from our rations to last a long while."
"Most likely we shouldn't need it long."
"It would be very useful if we did."
"Look here, Alzura," said I, turning on him suddenly, "let's make an end of this business. What are you driving at? Are you going to risk your life in that morass?"
"I'm very tired of this place," he answered moodily.
"So am I; but that doesn't lessen the danger of the swamp. Now, let us make no mistake. There is, perhaps, one chance in a hundred. Is it worth risking? Death in a morass must be rather horrible. Don't you think so?"
"Well, it can't be very pleasant; but you admit we stand a chance of getting across."