"You see it is folly to attempt to overtake the Count of Monte-Cristo," said Madame Caraman to Clary; "if you follow my advice, return to Marseilles, where we can wait for news of the Ice Bird and—"
"Go back?" interrupted Clary. "Never!"
"But Monte-Cristo will arrive before us, and two hours after his arrival at Bona he will be on his way to the desert, and you do not intend to follow him there among the lions, tigers and jackals, do you?"
"Mamma Caraman, if you are afraid, you can go back to France," said Clary, gently.
Captain Wharton now came back.
"Well," said Clary to him, "what's to be done?"
"We will overtake the Ice Bird, and all of us will be at your service and not leave you until you discharge us yourself. Will that do?"
"Captain," said Clary, "I am afraid you are promising too much again."
"Oh, no; this time I am confident of success."