"Wait." He ran and brought them back. "Arms," he said, shaking them exultingly before her. "With these we can defy everything."
Indeed, the boat-hook and the sheath knife would be invaluable should it come to a fight in the end.
"Yes," said Truda. "In all the days of my life there has been no anger, no bloodshed on this island; but since you came--"
"Are you sorry I came?"
"Glad. You have taught me life, love. They are worth the price we have paid."
"Always a price has to be paid for these things. Whether they are worth it or not is another matter."
The sun was well above the horizon now. Truda glanced upward, stopped, and pointed. In the ravine whence the brook fell, clustered against the wall, stood the islanders. Their cries came faintly into the vast gulf in which the two lovers stood. Their gestures of hatred and scorn were unmistakable, but they made no effort to come down. The rope was still fast. Presently, they observed it, for it was quickly drawn up, and, after a time, the islanders went away, leaving a watcher at the wall.
"This place is like the temple," said Truda; "it is taboo. I think none will come here."
"But you came."
"I would go anywhere for you," said the girl, simply.