“My God can stop you,” answered the girl, in a steady voice, though her heart beat fast and her face was very pale.
“Your God!” exclaimed the savage. “Will your God defend the wicked?”
“No, but He will pardon the wicked who come to Him in the name of Jesus, and He will defend the innocent.”
“Innocent!” repeated Unaco, vehemently, as he turned and pointed to the botanist. “Does you call this man innocent?”
“I know nothing about that man,” returned the girl, earnestly; “but I do know that my father and I, and all the rest of us, are innocent of any crime against you.”
For a few seconds the savage chief gazed steadily at Betty, then turning towards the botanist he took a step towards the spot where he sat and looked keenly into his face.
The botanist returned the gaze with equal steadiness through his blue spectacles.