I tell you, sah, we done 'bout gib you both up fo' suah." "Stop talking just now, Alphonse, and lead along lively," said De Noyan, with returning authority.

"We can converse later, in surroundings more congenial." Another moment and we were in the boat, the Chevalier pushing it clear of the bank, then lightly clambering in over the stern.
"Benteen," he exclaimed, panting heavily, "I confess I'm about useless from lack of wind.

_Sacre_! I 've been housed so long I am weak as an invalid, yet I can steer the craft if you inform me where 'tis best to go." "Up country is our only chance," I gasped, grasping an oar, vaguely noting a second figure huddled within the bow.

"All the lower water is patrolled by the fleet, but above there are plenty of hiding places.
Lay down to it hard, you black rascals; you are pulling for your lives." De Noyan extended his hand toward the east.
"It will be dawn in about an hour," he said, a tone of earnestness creeping into his soft voice.

"We can never pull against this stiff current so as to get any distance in that time.