“What then?”
“He runned away.”
Beelo nodded thoughtfully, and said:
“The king will think Mr. Vancouver changed his mind. Very well. Now he won’t wait any longer. He will make a demand for one of your people.” His manner was grave.
He was surprised when I informed him of Captain Mason’s determination that the young men be permitted to leave the valley, and that Lentala should arrange for their being turned back,—I had no heart to say anything about their rough handling by the natives.
“I’ll tell her,” he said. “I think she can manage it.”
“But are you sure?” I anxiously demanded.
“Don’t worry, Choseph. You are too serious to be happy. Let’s talk about the first man to go out when the king sends for one. Do you wish Mr. Vancouver to go?” The question came with a keen look.
“Not if it will expose him to any danger, or give him an opportunity to plot against us.”
Beelo’s look became suspicious. “What do you owe him, that he is not to be exposed to danger?” he asked.