The warriors stood aside and Trim advanced to the king’s house. It was nothing more than a shanty such as no western miner would have put up with.
The king was seated on the ground. Trim remained standing while the interpreter came in and stood at his side.
For a moment the king looked Trim over, scowling, and then spoke to the interpreter, who translated.
“His majesty say you very young and that more white men must be with you somewhere.”
“That is true,” Trim responded.
The king then asked what Trim was there for, and he answered much as he had in the case of the other savages who had questioned him. He concluded by promising the king valuable presents for food.
Of course Trim needed no provisions, but this way seemed to be the best for getting on good terms with the tribe.
The king thought a long time and at length said, through the interpreter:
“You saw the execution?”
Trim admitted this.