"To march at once, attack their fastness in the mountains, and save M. de Thoisy if you can. Root these fellows out, and show no quarter, but take especial care that none of your men fall into their hands, alive at least, if you can prevent it."
"Are they worse than other folks?" asked Rowland Haystone.
"I should think so—they eat their prisoners."
"Eat them!"
"Yes; after offering them up to an idol they have fashioned out of the bones of white men."
"Well, Ellis, this is not a pleasant prospect for you after being starved on that island for a month and more," said Glendonwyn.
"And this rich old planter——"
"They can't be particular to a shade, if they eat him," said Haystone, laughing.
"Why?" I inquired.
"I don't think the old fellow will prove very digestible."