"This is what I am told they mean to do; and I know Stevens to be a ruffian, and that he will carry out his project if he can. I have spent some time alone here, in trying to think how we can save ourselves; as yet I see no remedy. But wait," I said; "it will take us three weeks, sailing well every day, to reach the Gulf of Mexico. I have this time before me; and in that time not only something must, but something shall be done."
She did not answer.
"I will hazard nothing. I will venture no risks; what I resolve to do must be effectual," I went on, "because my life is dearer to me now than it was three days ago, for your and your father's sake. You must be saved from these ruffians, but no risk must attend your deliverance. That is why I see no escape before us as yet; but it will come—it will come! Despair is very fruitful in expedients, and I am not beaten because I find myself flung like a dog in a hole!"
She looked up at this, and said, "What is to be done?"
"I will think, too. We need not tell papa?" she added, toning her voice to a question, with an appealing look in her eyes.
"No, certainly not. Remember, we are not supposed to question the men's honest intentions towards us. We must appear utterly ignorant."
"Are they armed?" she inquired.
"No."
She cast her eyes round the cabin and said, "Have you no guns?"