“Wal?” he said.
And Davia turned to Jean.
“Loose him!” she said imperiously.
And Jean knew that trouble had come for his plans. He shook his head. The glance of Victor’s eyes as they turned upon Jean was like the edge of a super-sharpened knife. The trader knew that a crisis had arrived. Which was the stronger of these two, the brother or the sister? He waited.
“What are you goin’ to do with him?” Davia asked.
She could scarcely withhold the anger which had risen within her.
But Jean did not answer; he was listening to a strange sound which came to him through the open door. Suddenly he stooped again and began to readjust the rope that held his prisoner. He secured hands and feet together in a manner from which Victor was not likely to free himself easily; and yet from which it was possible for him to get loose. Davia followed his movements keenly. At last the giant rose; his task was completed.
“Now,” he said, addressing them both. “Say your says–quick.”
“You ain’t leavin’ him here,” said the woman, looking squarely into her brother’s eyes.
“That’s so.”