The steward started back in terror.
Their hunger being satiated, Glenarvan proposed that they should, without delay, arrange a plan of escape.
"So soon!" said Paganel, in a truly piteous tone. "What! are you thinking already of leaving this delightful place?"
"I think, first of all," replied Glenarvan, "that we ought to attempt an escape before we are forced to it by hunger. We have strength enough yet, and must take advantage of it. To-night let us try to gain the eastern valleys, and cross the circle of natives under cover of the darkness."
"Exactly," answered Paganel; "if the Maoris will let us pass."
"And if they prevent us?" asked Captain Mangles.
"Then we will employ the great expedients," said Paganel.
"You have great expedients, then?" inquired the major.