"That would be a very serious thing," replied the captain. "The Indians may retreat beyond the Arkansas, and I cannot leave the fort undefended." "Sir," replied Fogg, "the lives of three men are in question." "No doubt; but can I risk fifty to save three?" "I do not know if you can, sir; but I know you ought." "Sir," replied the captain, "no one here is fit to teach me my duty." "Very well," said Fogg coldly, "I will go alone." "You, sir!" exclaimed Fix, who now approached. "Do you mean to go alone in pursuit of the Indians?" "Do you wish me to leave that unfortunate man to perish to whom everyone here owes his life? I shall certainly go." "No, sir, you shall not go alone," said the captain, who was moved in spite of himself. "You are a brave fellow. Now, then, thirty volunteers," he added, turning to the troops. The whole company advanced at once. The captain had only to pick his men. Thirty were chosen, and a steady old non-commissioned officer put in command. "Thanks, captain," said Mr. Fogg. "You will let me go with you?" said Fix. "You can do as you please, sir, but if you wish to do me a service you will remain with Mrs. Aouda. Should anything happen to me--" The detective turned very pale. Should he separate from the man he had followed so persistently? Should he leave him to wander thus in the prairie? Fix gazed attentively at Mr. Fogg, and notwithstanding his suspicions and the struggle going on within him, his eyes fell before that frank look. "I will remain," he said. In a few moments Mr. Fogg, having shaken hands with the young lady and confided his precious bag to her care, departed with the soldiers. But before marching away he said to his escort, "My friends, I will divide a thousand pounds amongst you if we save the prisoners." It was then a little past midday. Mrs. Aouda retired to a waiting-room, and there she remained thinking of the generosity and courage of Phileas Fogg, who had sacrificed his fortune and was now risking his life for what he believed to be his duty. In her eyes Mr. Fogg was a hero. But Fix's thoughts were very different; he could scarcely conceal his agitation; he walked up and down the station and soon recovered himself. Now that Fogg had gone, Fix perceived how foolish he had been to let him go. He began to accuse himself in pretty round terms, as if he had been his own inspector. "What a fool I have been," he thought. "The fellow has gone and won't come back. How is it that I, actually with a warrant for his arrest in my pocket, could have been so played upon? Well, I am an ass!"