"Dead or prisoners. That is the uncertainty which must be solved.
Do you propose to pursue the Sioux?"
"That's a serious thing to do, sir," returned the captain. "These Indians may retreat beyond the Arkansas, and I cannot leave the fort unprotected."
"The lives of three men are in question, sir," said Phileas
Fogg.
"Doubtless, but can I risk the lives of fifty men to save three?"
"I don't know whether you can, sir, but you ought to do so.
"Nobody here," returned the other, "has a right to teach me my duty."
"Very well," said Mr. Fogg, coldly. "I will go alone."
"You, sir!" cried Fix, coming up. "You go alone in pursuit of the
Indians?"
"Would you have me leave this poor fellow to perish—him to whom everyone present owes his life? I shall go."
"No, sir, you shall not go alone," cried the captain, touched in spite of himself. "No! You are a brave man. Thirty volunteers!" he added, turning to the soldiers.