He is fearless, persevering, and implacable. I have no doubt at
all that he will kill me for the part that I have played to-night.'
It was in the calmest voice that my companion uttered the remark, and it
made me understand that it was no boast when he said there was more
courage needed to carry on his unsavoury trade than to play the part of
a _beau sabreur_ like Lasalle. He paused a little, and then went on as
if speaking to himself.
'Yes,' said he, 'I missed my chance. I certainly ought to have shot
him when he was struggling with the hound. But if I had only wounded
him he would have torn me into bits like an over-boiled pullet, so
perhaps it is as well as it is.'
We had left the salt-marsh behind us, and for some time I had felt the
soft springy turf of the downland beneath my feet, and our path had
risen and dipped over the curves of the low coast hills. In spite of
the darkness my companion walked with great assurance, never hesitating
for an instant, and keeping up a stiff pace which was welcome to me in
my sodden and benumbed condition.
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