While the chief was questioning Bomba, the little maiden Pirah lingered wistfully on the outside of the group.
After a while Hondura called her to him. The little one came timidly and sat down beside Bomba and again took his hand in hers.
Bomba smiled down at her and Pirah smiled back. There were so few smiles ever bestowed on the lonely boy that it warmed his heart.
The chief seemed pleased, and looked at Bomba with a more friendly expression than before.
To Bomba’s inquiries about Nascanora and his people Hondura replied that the chief of the head-hunters had visited him and professed friendship with the Araos. Hondura knew, though, that Nascanora’s heart was black and that the invaders were only trying to lull him into security until they were ready to fall on his people and wipe them out. But he was watchful and his braves were ready.
“Did Nascanora say anything about Casson?” Bomba asked anxiously.
“Yes. Nascanora wanted one of my Araos to go with him as guide to point out the location of Casson’s hut. But I, Hondura, professed ignorance and Nascanora frowned. But finally he went away with words of friendship.”
Hondura admitted that he, too, had thought that Casson might be a Man of Evil, as Nascanora had said. But now that Peto had spoken, he knew that Casson and Bomba were good. So he, Hondura, would do nothing to aid Nascanora in his designs against the whites.
This was balm to Bomba’s anxious soul. The chief object of his mission had been accomplished. Casson would be glad.
The matter of the hammocks was simple. Hondura would have given him half a dozen if Bomba had wanted them. But the boy accepted only the two, and these were brought at the command of the chief and tied up in a light bundle.