"Yes!" I continued; "I am reckless enough. I shall use them if
necessary. I shall take life if it stand in the way. I am resolved;
but you must not risk an encounter. You must remain here--I shall go to
the house alone."
"No--no!" he answered promptly; "I go with you."
"I cannot permit it, Monsieur. It is better for you to remain here.
You can stay by the fence until I return to you--until _we_ return, I
should say, for I come not back without _her_."
"Do not act rashly, Monsieur!"
"No, but I am determined. I am desperate. We must not go farther."
"And why not? _I, too, have an interest in this affair_."
"You?" I asked, surprised at the words as well as the tone in which
they were spoken. "You an interest?"
"Of course," coolly replied my companion. "I love adventure. That
gives me an interest. You must permit me to accompany you--I must go
along with you!"
"As you will then, Monsieur D'Hauteville. Fear not. I shall act with
prudence. Come on!"
I sprang over the fence, followed by my companion; and, without another
word having passed between us, we struck across the field in the
direction of the house.