We are too far advanced, my dear doctor, to be our own masters.
We must go on, and have no option to do otherwise.

To beat a retreat would simply be to invite our enemies to fall upon our disorganized battalions.

We must give battle; and as the first to strike has always the best chance of victory, we must strive to take the initiative." "The idea is good, but these are mere words." "Was the secret that we confided to De Croisenois only words ?" This thrust went home.
"Do you mean that you think he would betray us ?" said he.
"Why should he not if it were to his interests to do so?
Reflect, Croisenois is almost at the end of his tether.

We have dangled the line of a princely fortune before his eyes.

Do you think he would do nothing if we were to say, 'Excuse us, but we made a mistake; poor as you are, so you must remain, for we do not intend to help you ?'" "But is it necessary to say that at all ?" "Well, at any rate, whatever we choose to say, what limit do you think he will place upon his extortions now that he holds our secret?
We have taught him his music, and he will make us do our part in the chorus, and can blackmail us as well as we can others." "We played a foolish game," answered Dr.Hortebise moodily.
"No; we had to confide in some one.