But I did not speak to him, nor he to me.
I spoke for the first time at the woman's cabin. I looked within and
saw that it was untouched; then I put out my arm and barred Lord
Starling's way.
"I have never stepped in here, and you shall not," I told him with my
jaws set, and I think that I struck him across the face, though of that
I have never been quite sure.
In my own lodge I found havoc. Bales had been broken open, and my
papers were thrown and trampled. Many of the papers were blood-smeared.
I examined every cabin and every bale, then went to the ashes of the
camp fire and stood still. Lord Starling followed, and I heard his
smothered groan. I took out my knife.
"I shall kill you if you make that noise again," I said.
I think that I spoke quietly, but he stepped back. I saw that he was
afraid,--afraid of losing his miserable, mistaken life,--and I laughed.
I laughed for a long time. Hearing myself laugh, I knew that it
sounded as if I were near insanity, but I was not. My head had never
been clearer.
Perhaps Lord Starling conquered his fear. He came nearer and lifted
his magnificent, compelling bulk above me.
"Listen!" he began. "We have been foes; we shall be again; but now we
are knit closer than eye and brain in a common cause.
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