“Idleness,” argued their masters, “is always punished by ill health;” and they wound up by expressing their thanks that such was the case.
It was not until the two Arabs had obtained the assistance of several of the women and boys of the village that they succeeded in getting the white slaves within the goat-penn.
“Jim, I tell you I can’t stand this any longer,” said Sailor Bill. “Call an’ say to ’em as I gives in, and will work to-morrow, if they will let me have some water.”
“And so will I,” said Terence. “There is nothing in the future to compensate for this suffering, and I can endure it no longer.”
“Nor will I,” exclaimed Harry; “I must have something to eat and drink immediately. We shall all be punished in the next world for self-murder in this, unless we yield.”
“Courage! patience!” exclaimed Jim. “It is better to suffer for a few hours more than to remain all your lives in slavery.”
“What do I care for the future?” muttered Terence; “the present is everything. He is a fool who kills himself to-day to keep from being hungry ten years after. I will try to work to-morrow, if I live so long.”
“Yes, call an’ tell ’em, Jim, as ’ow we gives in, an’ they’ll send us some refreshment,” entreated the old sailor. “It ain’t in human natur to die of starvation if one can ’elp it.”
But neither Jim nor the Krooman would communicate to the Arabs the wishes of their companions; and the words and signals the old sailor made to attract the attention of those outside were unheeded.
Early in the evening, both Colin and the Krooman also expressed themselves willing to sacrifice the future for the present.