His
mind was anything but scientific, anyway; and he was completely
obsessed by fear for the safety of Desiree. And I wasn't sorry
for it; it is better that a man should worry about some one else
than about himself.
Our chance of rescuing her, or even of saving ourselves, appeared
to me woefully slim. One fear at least was gone, for the
descendants of Incas could scarcely be cannibals; but there are
other fates equally final, if less distasteful. The fact that
they had not even taken the trouble to bind us was an indication
of the strictness of their watch.
The hours crept by. At regular intervals our food was
replenished and we kept the platter empty, storing what we could
not eat in our ponchos against a possible need.
It was always the same--dried fish of the consistency of leather
and a most aggressive taste. I tried to convey to one of our
captors the idea that a change of diet would be agreeable, but
either he did not understand me or didn't want to.
Gradually our strength returned, and with it hope. Harry began
to be impatient, urging action. I was waiting for two things
besides the return of strength; first, to lay in a supply of food
that would be sufficient for many days in case we escaped, and
second, to allow our eyes to accustom themselves better to the
darkness.
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