"If you wish to go, please get in." "I will not go," said Aouda.
Fix had heard this conversation.

A little while before, when there was no prospect of proceeding on the journey, he had made up his mind to leave Fort Kearney; but now that the train was there, ready to start, and he had only to take his seat in the car, an irresistible influence held him back.

The station platform burned his feet, and he could not stir.

The conflict in his mind again began; anger and failure stifled him.

He wished to struggle on to the end.
Meanwhile the passengers and some of the wounded, among them Colonel Proctor, whose injuries were serious, had taken their places in the train.