“Still I will not accept your proposal.”
“But for G—d’s sake, Emmanuel, speak seriously,” said Hamilton, hastily, “you surely do not intend to let this obstinacy of yours prevent your escape;” and the young officer looked anxiously in Appadocca’s face.
It would appear that, notwithstanding the previous refusal of his friend, he never contemplated but that at the last moment he would avail himself of his assistance and escape.
“Call me obstinate, as you may,” replied Appadocca, “I shall not accept your offer.”
“Then is it possible that you seriously refuse to save your life?”
“Not I, by Heaven,” replied Appadocca.
“Then why not adopt my proposal at once?”
“Because my doing so will not only involve a breach of discipline, but will also compromise your honour,—two sacrifices which we must pronounce disproportioned, when we consider the very small necessity that demands them.”
“Do you recollect that death will be your sentence?” eagerly demanded Charles.
“I do recollect it,” answered Appadocca. “And pray, what is death?”