Can I hesitate at a murder that will bring about the chastisement of so many crimes?
I advance to the shelf and stretch forth my hand to seize the chisel.
As I do so, Thomas Roch turns round.
It is too late to strike.

A struggle would ensue.

The noise and his cries would be heard, for there are still some pirates not far off, I can even now hear some one approaching, and have only just time to fly if I would not be seen.
Nevertheless, I make one last attempt to awaken the sentiment of patriotism within him.
"Thomas Roch," I say, "warships are in sight.

They have come to destroy this lair.

Maybe one of them flies the French flag!" He gazes at me.