Why should I have less fortitude? You are like a man who cares not for
religion for himself, yet insists upon it for children and for his
womenkind,--for his inferiors in general. Why should you feel that I
need so much prompting?" His voice suddenly hardened. "Tell me. Is
it my youth that makes you feel yourself my mentor, or have I failed
you in any way? Answer." And he gave the stamp of the foot that I had
heard once before.
How could I answer but with laughter? "You are a leopard, and a lamb,
and a bantam cock all in one," I jeered at him. "No wonder that I feel
you need a priest to shrive you;" and I laughed again, and would not
notice the hurt shining of his eyes as I went away.
CHAPTER VII
THE BEGINNING
I had not vaunted idly when I told the prisoner that our plans were
ready. I had scarcely dropped the latch of the commandant's door when
I saw Singing Arrow sauntering near.
She was graceful in her finery. Even a white man might commend. Her
skin garments looked soft and clean, and draped her cunningly. In the
dusk and the firelight with the bright blanket falling from her hair,
she looked so winning that I thought the guards could find excuse if
the prisoner loitered at the window.
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