I began to pace. "You know we can't afford to offend the tribe. If you bluntly deny that you've had anything to do with the girl, they'll be insulted. They're ready to believe her, not you."
"How soon will the child be born?"
"Within a few days."
"How long have we been here?"
"Long enough."
"Why doesn't her true mate speak up, whoever he is?"
I said, "That's one of the strange circumstances. I haven't heard them mention any other man but you. You see, Split, you're the hero of the hour. You're the one they want."
"I hope you're not suggesting that I marry this girl."
"I haven't suggested it, have I? But I will ask this: Do you like the girl?... Love her??... Enough to marry her?"
"Under more favorable conditions—yes. I've never loved anybody before. But Omosla—from the first time I saw her, that evening, in the sunset—"