"If you continue stubborn, Captain Benson, you will die here, of thirst and hunger."
"Perhaps," admitted Jack, more soberly. "But it will be a full-size man's death, won't it?"
"Oh, you think, then, that you are not afraid to die of thirst and hunger?"
"Since others have done it," retorted Jack, "I suppose I can, if I have to."
"If you have to?" rasped the Frenchman.
"Do you doubt, then, that we would bring such a fate upon you?"
"I don't believe there's anything too low and cowardly for your crowd to stoop to it," admitted Jack Benson, with spirit.
"Have a care, young man!"
"You asked me a question," growled back young Benson, "and I answered you. If it doesn't suit you, don't ask any more questions."
Gaston regarded the boy with a still more sinister look.