Page 277 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

‘Dead or prisoners; that is the uncertainty which must
be solved. Do you propose to pursue the Sioux?’
‘That’s a serious thing to do, sir,’ returned the captain.
‘These Indians may retreat beyond the Arkansas, and I

cannot leave the fort unprotected.’
‘The lives of three men are in question, sir,’ said Phileas
Fogg.
‘Doubtless; but can I risk the lives of fifty men to save
three?’
‘I don’t know whether you can, sir; but you ought to
do so.’
‘Nobody here,’ returned the other, ‘has a right to teach
me my duty.’
‘Very well,’ said Mr. Fogg, coldly. ‘I will go alone.’
‘You, sir!’ cried Fix, coming up; ‘you go alone in
pursuit of the Indians?’
‘Would you have me leave this poor fellow to perish—
him to whom every one present owes his life? I shall go.’
‘No, sir, you shall not go alone,’ cried the captain,
touched in spite of himself. ‘No! you are a brave man.
Thirty volunteers!’ he added, turning to the soldiers.
The whole company started forward at once. The
captain had only to pick his men. Thirty were chosen, and
an old sergeant placed at their head.

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