To have rung the bell and given Pereo into the hands of the servants would have only exposed to them the lunatic's secret--if he had any--and he might either escape in his fury or relapse into useless imbecility.

To humor him and follow him, and trust afterwards to his own quickness and courage to avert any calamity, seemed to be the only plan.

Captain Carroll turned his clear glance on the restless eyes of Pereo, and said, without emotion, "Let us go, then, and quickly.

You shall track them for me; but remember, good Pereo, you must leave the rest to me." In spite of himself, some accidental significance in this ostentatious adjuration to lull Pereo's suspicions struck him with pain.

But the old man's eyes glittered with gratified passion as he said, "Ay, good! I will keep my word.