I had not the faintest idea; to me they lookedlike
the survivals of some ancient civilization.
As they were to beparted so soon, naturally they
would see as much as they could of eachother.
For once,however, the imperturbable Issicore was
much disturbed.
I have no present intention of doing so, I
answered. Yes, Lord, when I was quite young before he became a priest. For Dacha was
always one who desired to be first. Moreover, I had not far tolook for proof.
Ianswered, as we trudged on, adding, Still, you are right, Hans,Issicore has
changed. Finally we went on, paddlingat a double pace. I did not say that no one had
ever seen Heu-Heu, Lord. It is to defend us from the Hairy Folk who attack by night,
answeredIssicore.
All the tale was true, and I had made a great
discovery. He cameforward and sat by me and said:A very evil thing has happened,
Lord.
But we, who are goodChristians, are not afraid of
any devils because we know how to dealwith them. I thank him, said the Walloo in the
same dialect of Arabic that wasused by Issicore. Perhaps when they have looked they
will go away.
Otherwise he would not have journeyed so farfor her
sake.
Thus we travelled in gloom, especially as thesun
was not yet up. Therefore, if we are to getto the other side of the island before
nightfall, it is time to go.
Then an idea came to me, and I said boldly,Do! Oh,
Baas, if I lived here I should soon go mad! I only hope that she got more
comfortfrom Issicore than I did.
Off went Hans and I towards the nearest group of
ruins.
I hear and will obey you, Lord, she answered,
weeping. Here, certainly, was another Pompeii, and perhaps beneaththat another
Herculaneum.
My grandfather did so,however, and saw him there. I
have no present intention of doing so, I answered. From what race could this people
havesprung, I wondered. He said that if I would take him for a husband perhaps I
shouldescape from Heu-Heu.
At the end of the gardenstood a long, solid,
flat-roofed house built of the prevailing lavarock. Atlength he crossed the room,
came to me and led me forward, followed byHans at my heels.