Abino motioned to his son to take away the empty dishes and what food remained, and then he and his companions squatted on their haunches in a semicircle and gazed fixedly at Bomba.
They said nothing, and their stare persisted so long that Bomba became restless and himself broke the silence.
“It was good of Abino to send Bomba food,” he said. “There was much food and it was good.”
“The stranger must not starve until Japazy hears what words the stranger has to say to him,” replied Abino.
“They will not be many words,” replied Bomba. “They will not make Japazy shoot lightnings from his eyes. Bomba comes in peace and his words are good words.”
“What are the words that the stranger would speak with Japazy?” asked one of the most aged and wizened of his visitors.
Bomba hesitated. Would Japazy resent his confiding his mission to any one but himself?
On the other hand, he had already gotten some useful information from Solani. The mention of human sacrifices, for instance, had put him on his guard, if, in the future, any such thing should be attempted. Perhaps in conversation with these elders of the tribe he might learn something else that might be of value to him.
Moreover they had asked him the question, and any lack of frankness on his part might deepen the suspicion they already entertained as to his motives.
He decided to answer.