ad all
listened with profound interest.

From that time it seemed to be tacitly agreed to let bygones be bygones;
and I could see that as the dangerous feeling that had threatened my
life diminished, the old pleasure they had once found in my company
returned. But my feelings towards them did not change, nor could they
while that black and terrible suspicion concerning Rima was in my heart.
I talked again freely with them, as if there had been no break in the
old friendly relations. If they watched me furtively whenever I went
out of doors, I affected not to see it. I set to work to repair my rude
guitar, which had been broken in my absence, and studied to show them
a cheerful countenance. But when alone, or in my hammock, hidden from
their eyes, free to look into my own heart, then I was conscious that
something new and strange had come into my life; that a new nature,
black and implacable, had taken the place of the old. And sometimes
it was hard to conceal this fury that burnt in me; sometimes I felt an
impulse to spring like a tiger on one of the Indians, to hold him fast
by the throat until the secret I wished to learn was forced from his
lips, then to dash his brains out against the stone. But they were many,
and there was no choice but to be cautious and patient if I wished to
outwit them with a cunning superior to their own.

Three days after my arrival at the village, Kua-ko returned with his
companion. I greeted him with affected warmth, but was really pleased
that he was back, believing that if the Indians knew anything of Rima he
among them all would be most likely to tell it.

Kua-ko appeared to have brought some important news, which he discussed
with Runi and the others; and on the following day I noticed that
preparations for an expedition were in progress. Spears and bows and
arrows were got ready, but not blow-pipes, and I knew by this that the
expedition would not be a hunting one. Having discovered so much, also
that only four men were going out, I called Kua-ko aside and begged him
to let me go with them. He seemed pleased at the proposal, and at once
repeated it to Runi, who considered for a little and then consented.

By and by he said, touching his bow: "You cannot fight with our weapons;
what will you do if we meet an enemy?"

I smiled and returned that I would not run away. All I wished to show
him was that his enemies were my enemies, that I was ready to fight for
my friend.

He was ple