It was still capable of holding fire, and as it had grown too dark outside for the smoke to be observed from the post, he proceeded to prepare a supper of hot coffee and meat.

Jean watched him in silence, and not until food and drink were on the table did the engineer himself break silence.
"Of course, I'm not going to feed you," he said curtly, "so I'll have to free your hands.

But be careful." He placed his revolver on the table beside him after he had freed Croisset.
"I might assassinate you with a fork!" chuckled the Frenchman softly, his black eyes laughing over his coffee cup.

"I drink your health, M'seur, and wish you happiness!" "You lie!" snapped Howland.
Jean lowered the cup without drinking.
"It's the truth, M'seur," he insisted.

"Since that _bee_-utiful fight back there I can not help but wish you happiness.