CHAPTER 12: Treed By Wolves.
Charlie and Stanislas were, that evening, sitting apart from the rest, at a short distance from the fire, talking over the future.
They agreed that it would be comparatively easy to withdraw from the band as they journeyed forward, if, as seemed likely, they travelled in very small parties.

If, indeed, they found themselves with two others, they could leave openly, for these would scarcely care to enter upon a desperate struggle, merely for the sake of retaining two unwilling companions in the band.
The difficulties would only begin when they started alone.

As they were talking, the captain came across to them.
"I can guess," he said, "that you are talking together as to the future.

I like you, young Englishman, and I like your companion, who seems an honest fellow, but I would not keep you with me by force.

I understand that you are not placed as we are.