I was amazed at this.
"But," said I, "am I not a victim—preserved for the great sacrifice?"
"You are; but you are free to go where you like, and do what you like. Your character of victim makes you most distinguished. It is the highest honor and dignity. All believe that you rejoice in your high dignity, and no one dreams that you are anxious to escape."
"But if I did escape, would they not pursue me?"
"Certainly not."
"What would they do for a victim?"
"They would wonder at your unaccountable flight, and then choose some distinguished pauper."
"But if I were to stay here, would they not save me from death at my entreaty?"
"Oh, certainly not; they would never understand such an entreaty. That's a question of death, the supreme blessing. No one is capable of such a base act as saving his fellow-man from death. All are eager to help each other to such a fate."
"But if I were to fly they would not prevent me, and they would not pursue me?"