“What will happen then?”
“The white people will seize the opportunity to escape from the valley,—if they have not already started. That would mean the annihilation of the entire party, for all the Senatras, including the army, would fall upon them. Then my people would be satisfied, and order would be restored.”
My respect for his insight gave his words a crushing force. But what did it mean that Lentala had told Captain Mason to bring the colony out?
I was moving toward the ladder under an impulse to be in action, but a firm grasp fell on my arm. An apologetic look of warning reminded me that Christopher never slept when a beloved one was in danger.
The king had noticed nothing, so deeply absorbed was he. A puzzle was sharpening his senses and wrinkling his brow.
“I don’t understand that,” he said.
“What, Sire?”
“I wish I knew that Lentala was safe.”
“How could she be in danger, your Majesty?”
“Her white blood. It makes her too daring.” He was looking about, but his attitude of concentrated listening returned. “There it is again!” he exclaimed.