His
eyes never left the woman's, and in time hers fell. I tried to clench
my bound hands, for my pride in her was hurt; yet I could understand
his power.
It was just then that the savages wearied of the spectacle and hustled
Starling away. They saw that he was English, and they unbound his
arms, and began to take counsel concerning him. In a flash I saw my
path clear. They were friendly to the English. The woman was English.
I must not let her identify herself with me. And so when her glance
crept back to me, I was prepared. I would not stop to read what her
look might say. I shook my head at her and dropped my eyes. I made
the same signal to Singing Arrow. The Indian would understand my
motive; I could not be sure about the woman.
And then I turned and mingled with the crowd, with my heart beating
strangely but my brain cool. The interest was centring in Starling,
and the older men had their calumets in hand and were preparing for the
council. I saw that for a few hours at least I should have life and
semi-liberty. There was no possibility of my escape, so, bound as I
was, I was free to wander within limits. I would keep as near the
women as possible and try and herd my faction together.
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