But he was quick to rally from his dazed condition. The fact that the giant had shown such a knowledge of the English tongue suggested the possibility not only of obtaining important information, but of making a friend of this personage, who must possess great influence among his people.
True, the events of the afternoon and evening were against anything in the nature of comity or good will, but no harm could come from an attempt to bring about an understanding between the people and the explorers that had become involved in such fierce conflicts with them.
"Drop that spear!" commanded Ashman.
"I have surrendered," said the savage, in a low, coarse voice; "and Ziffak does not lie."
Nevertheless, while the words were passing his lips, he unclosed his right hand and allowed the implement to fall to the ground.
"Is your weapon poisoned?" asked Ashman, still mystified by the extraordinary situation and hardly knowing what to say.
"Your man in the wood was pierced by one of our spears; ask him."
"Such a warrior as Ziffak does not need to tip his weapons with poison," said Ashman, glancing significantly at the carcass of the puma. "It is cowardly to use such means against your enemies."
The savage shook his head and an ugly flash appeared in his eyes.
"Do not the whites from the Great River use fire to slay the natives before they can come nigh enough to use their spears?"