“As for me, to divulge our work; to reveal at what spot on the surface of the earth our effort is to be made; to sell the secret I fortunately kept hidden within me; to permit these barbarians to launch off in pursuit of our friends, to interrupt the labours they are engaged in for our profit and our glory! I would rather die first!”
“Maston, you are sublime!” said Evangelina.
In truth, these two beings, so closely united in enthusiasm—and equally mad—were born to understand each other.
“No!” continued Maston. “Never shall they know the name of the country which my calculations have designated, and which will become immortal. They may kill me if they will, but they shall never possess my secret.”
“And they may kill me with you,” said Mrs. Scorbitt; “for I also will be dumb.”
“Fortunately, they do not know that you possess the secret.”
Attempted to knock him down.
Page [97].
“Do you think I am capable of revealing it because I am only a woman? to betray our colleagues and you? No, my friend; no! The Philistines may raise the world against you to tear you from your cell, but I will be with you, and we shall have at least the consolation of dying together!”
And that was the way the conversation ended every time the widow visited the prisoner. And every time the Commissioners inquired as to the result the answer was the same.