“Why did you dig up the pebbles, when the commands of your king forbade you to touch them?” I asked, in a bitter tone.
The little Indian gave me a scornful look and said to Ilalah:
“Must I answer the white child, my Princess?”
“It will please me to have you do so,” she answered. “I must tell you, Tcharn, that these white people are my friends. Those who love me will also befriend them, and treat them kindly.”
For a time the dwarf stood motionless, frowning and staring stolidly upon the ground. Then he looked up and said:
“Does Nalig-Nad also love these whites?”
“He hates them, and seeks their destruction,” Ilalah replied.
The dwarf smiled.
“Then they will be destroyed,” he prophesied.
“Not so, my Tcharn,” replied the princess, gently. “The power of these white chieftains is greater than the power of Nalig-Nad.”