Our supply of water, we found, was quite sufficient to last for
several days, if used sparingly; for we intended to support life
so long as we had the fuel. Then responsibility ceases; man has a
right to hasten that which fortune has made inevitable.
The hours passed by.
We talked very little; at times Desiree and Harry conversed in
subdued tones which I did not overhear; I was engaged with my own
thoughts. And they were not unpleasant; if, looking death in the
face, a man can preserve his philosophy unchanged, he has made
the only success in life that is worth while.
We ate and drank, but gave neither water nor food to our fellow
prisoner. Not because I really expected to force negotiations
with the Incas--but the thing was possible and was worth a trial.
I knew them well enough to appraise correctly the value of any
safe-conduct they might give us.
I was a little surprised to find in Desiree no levity, the vulgar
prop for courage based on ignorance. There was a tenderness in
her manner, especially toward Harry, that spoke of something
deeper and awoke in my own breast a deeper respect for her. The
world had not known Desiree Le Mire--it had merely been
fascinated and amused by her.
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