I am twice your age,
Courtenay, and I affirm unhesitatingly that you are wrong."
"Yet you are ready to take my place?"
"I have given you my reasons."
"They do you honor; but you would fail where I might succeed. You are
not a sailor. Brave as I know you to be, you are not physically fitted
for the rough work which may be needed. I think, too, you exaggerate
the risk. The Alaculofs are broken by last night's failure. They will
not dare to face us."
"At least spare me an argument which does not convince yourself;
otherwise you would depute me instantly for the service."
"Well, you force plain speaking. While I command the _Kansas_ I am
responsible for the well-being of the ship, her crew, and her
passengers. I could never forgive myself if I left those men to the
mercy of the Indians. I cannot permit either you or Tollemache to take
a risk which I shirk. Boyle and Walker must remain on board--lest I
fail. Now, Christobal, don't make my duty harder. Shake hands! I am
proud to claim you as a friend."
"Huh!" said Boyle, strolling towards them. "What is it? A bet?"
"Yes," laughed Courtenay, from whose face all doubt had vanished; "a
bet, indeed, and you hold the stakes.
Pages:
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342