"Well, Monsieur Brown, it was your train that brought me. Seriously, I suppose I must go back to Father Mayenobe en route to Sakhalin, for sooner or later I will get there—on that I am determined. They may deport me, but I shall always return.—What will you do yourself?—not remain a Chunchuse?"
"No, indeed. I am going to find my father."
"To Sakhalin?"
"Yes."
"Oh! Monsieur Brown, cannot I come too? I may never get such a chance again. My poor father! he has been there six years. Take me with you."
"But, Mademoiselle——"
"I am very strong, really I am. Did I not walk for six hours yesterday? I will not delay your march."
"But think of the difficulties—a long mountain journey to begin with, a voyage in a junk at one of the worst seasons of the year, the danger of being discovered and arrested at any moment, exposure, perhaps hunger——"
"I am not afraid. And surely it will be better for me to face these hardships in your company than alone!"
"Alone?"