Jules Verne

“ A terrific howl from the savages responded to these words--no doubt drowning the prisoner's reply.
"They are murdering him! they are murdering him!" exclaimed Kennedy. "Our interference will have served no other purpose than to hasten the hour of his doom. We must act!"
"But how, Dick? What do you expect to do in the midst of this darkness?"
"Oh, if it was only daylight!" sighed Joe.
"Well, and suppose it were daylight?" said the doctor, in a singular tone.
"Nothing more simple, doctor," said Kennedy. "I'd go down and scatter all these savage villains with powder and ball!" ”

“ These savage tribes kill their captives in broad daylight; they must have the sunshine."
"Now, if I were to take advantage of the darkness to slip down to the poor fellow?" said Kennedy.
"And I'll go with you," said Joe, warmly.
"Pause, my friends--pause! The suggestion does honor to your hearts and to your courage; but you would expose us all to great peril, and do still greater harm to the unfortunate man whom you wish to aid."
"Why so?" asked Kennedy. "These savages are frightened and dispersed: they will not return." ”

“ We must, therefore, profit by their fears; but we shall await daylight before acting, and then we can form our plans of rescue according to circumstances."
"The poor captive cannot be far off," said Joe, "because--"
"Help! help!" repeated the voice, but much more feebly this time.
"The savage wretches!" exclaimed Joe, trembling with indignation. "Suppose they should kill him to-night!"
"Do you hear, doctor," resumed Kennedy, seizing the doctor's hand. "Suppose they should kill him to-night!" ”