More, Master Wayland, had this firearm been in my hands when you flouted me in the water yonder, your words should not have been so easily passed over." The stars gave me a dim view of him, and there was a look in his face that caused me to feel it would be best to have our trouble settled fully, and without delay.
"Monsieur," I said sternly, laying my hand upon his shoulder, and compelling him to front me fairly, "I for one am going into danger where I shall require every resource in order to preserve my life and be of service to others.

I have already told you that I care not whether you accompany me or no.

But this I say: we part here, or else you journey with me willingly, and with no more veiled threats or side looks of treachery." "I meant no harm." "Then act the part of a man, Monsieur, and cease your grumbling.

The very life of Mademoiselle may hang upon our venture; and if you ever interfere or obstruct my purpose, I will kill you as I would a dog.
You understand that, Monsieur de Croix; now, will you go or stay ?" He looked about him into the lonely, desolate shadows, and I could see him shrug his shoulders.
"I go with you, of course.

_Sacre_! but I have small choice in the matter; 't would be certain death otherwise, for I know not east from west in this blind waste of sand." I turned abruptly from him, and strode forward across the sand-ridge out into the short prairie grass beyond, shaping my course westward by the stars.