_Bish_! nor do I love this toll at the oars--'tis the work of slaves.

I would prefer trusting all to the rapier, writing with its point a Frenchman's message of defiance.

Holy saints! I am already half inclined to say yes to your proposal; yet Benteen, what word have you to speak regarding this plan ?" "That if she goes back to New Orleans, I make the town in the same boat," I answered shortly, angered by his flippant words and tone.
"'Tis a plan not to be seriously considered a moment, Chevalier.

If carried out it would merely place Madame de Noyan in the power of Cruel O'Reilly.

I doubt if the sacrifice would preserve our worthless lives.
She can only return by means of the boat; with that gone, we should be compelled to plunge, unprovisioned, into a trackless wilderness, feeling our way blindly for hundreds of leagues through unknown, savage tribes.