"That place overlooking the deep bay, where first I saw you, where you go to meet the sunrising--I know now why you do it," he broke off.
"Why?"
"That is where they used to watch and hope for the ships."
"Sometimes I have seen a black cloud far away."
"The smoke of a steamer."
She nodded, not comprehending fully, but acquiescing naturally in anything he put forth.
"But it never came near," she added as he went on.
"From there we can see not only the sea but the whole island. No trees grow near. No one can approach without being seen for a long distance. We will take the books and hide them there in the rocks and cover them up carefully. There I will teach you to read the speaking leaves."
"But when old Kobo discovers they are gone?"
"We will put them back in good time. It will be as easy to put them back as it was to take them. No one goes into the church except at that monthly visit. Are you sure?"