“What matter?” said Bois-Rose; “is his life worth that of the last of the Medianas?”
“No,” replied the Spaniard; “and I, who half wanted a short time ago to abandon the poor wretch, think now I would be cowardly.”
“Perhaps,” added Fabian, “he has children, who would weep for their father.”
“It would be a bad action, and would bring us ill luck,” added Pepé.
All the superstitious tenderness of the Canadian awoke at these words, and he said—
“Well, then, Fabian, you are a good swimmer, follow this plan: Pepé and I will stay here and guard this man, and if we die here, it will be in the discharge of our duty, and with the joy of knowing you to be safe.”
But Fabian shook his head.
“I care not for life without you; I shall stay,” said he.
“What can be done then?”
“Let us think,” said Pepé.