“What is your name?” he demanded of Christopher, and pronounced it perfectly.
Christopher was gravely regarding the lad, who appeared disconcerted under the scrutiny. That disturbed me; but if the boy was seeking our undoing he would have to reckon with Christopher.
He was curious about Annabel, and sent her affectionate messages from Lentala.
“Beelo,” I demanded, “where did you learn all those words from foreign languages?”
Taken by surprise, he was confused and a little frightened, and had the look of a child preparing a fib.
“Other people have been shipwrecked here,” he answered, peering at me from under his brows. “I learned from them.”
“What became of them?” I asked.
He raised his head, and answered, “The king said he sent them away.”
“Did you visit them secretly?”
“N—o.” He began to play with twigs on the ground.