“I can see no cocoanuts in it,” said one.
“I don’t want my eyes scratched out,” added another, who had lately become interested in a girl who was sitting beside him; “nor do I want her injured.”
“Who knows,” asked a third, “if we shall ever meet again? I fear we shall lose this place and lose one another.”
“Why did Koree lose his girl?” asked another. “He should not have taken her into danger.”
“Men and warriors!” interposed Koree at this point, fearing an insubordination that might be disastrous, “is this your resolution? A little while ago you were impatient for battle. Now you are seeking excuses for peace. None of you are worthy of such honor as awaits us. The defeat of the Lali will give glory to the Ammi, and many women and stores. We will divide their country among us, or, at least, have no more trouble from them. You fight not for me only but for yourselves, and fight that you may have to fight no more. For, this war will destroy all our enemies. Now swear to me not only that you will go to the war (for that you have already done), but that you will never abandon it till Sosee is restored.”
This they all swore by scratching their ribs, and again there was harmony in the counsels of war.
CHAPTER XVIII.
