Sokiti. We are not blacks—

Steward. You do not understand me. Consider. He thought me bad. I am not bad. What you were saying, would justify him if he had killed me.

They consider.

Sokiti. I understand. You say: If the slave had killed me—no, it is not that.

Satni. Human life must be respected.

Gravely they make sign of acquiescence, to escape further torment. Nourm picks up a package he had brought and turns to go out unobserved.

Steward. What are you carrying there?

Nourm. Nothing, 'tis mine—

Bitiou. That is a necklace—show. [Begins to open the package].

Nourm. Yes, a necklace.