Come, Luiz, I have wasted too much time." He walked out followed by the soldier, but Francisco Alvarez had known before entering the prison that his offer would be declined.

He merely wished to clear away any light burden that might rest on his conscience, before proceeding with another plan that he had in mind.
Paul and Jim did not say a word until the door was fastened and they were left to the darkness.

Then it was Jim who unburdened himself.
"Paul," he said, "did you ever see a panther gittin' ready to jump?
Notice how his eyes turn a yellery-green, 'cause he thinks he's goin' to git what he wants right away?
Notice how his mouth is slobberin' 'cause he thinks he's goin' to hev his dinner on the spot.

Notice how his body is drawed up, an' his tail is slowly movin' side to side, 'cause he thinks he's goin' to sink his claws in tender flesh the next second! Wa'al that panther makes me think uv this here Spaniard, Alvarez.

I think we kin look fur jest about ez much kindness an' gentlin' from him ez a fawn could expect from a hungry panther." "You are certainly right, Jim," said Paul.
"Uv course! Ef I didn't know thar wuz so many soldiers about, I'd send a whoop through one uv them little winders thar, an' bring Henry, Tom, an' Sol here to let us out." "As we can't do that, Jim," said Paul, "I think I'll go to sleep.".