on a visit to my mother’s kinsman, Quismancu, the Chief of the Yuncas of the Coastlands, to whom my father, the King, has sent an embassy on matters of which I know nothing.  Behind yonder rock is my balsa and with it are the two maidens.  Say, is it your wish to bide here upon this isle, or to return into the sea, or to accompany me back to the town of Quismancu?  If so, we must sail ere the weather breaks, lest we should be drowned.”

“Certainly it is my wish to accompany you, Lady, though a god of the sea cannot be drowned,” I said quickly before Kari could speak.  Indeed, he did not speak at all, he only shrugged his shoulders and sighed, like one who accepts some evil gift from Fate because he must.

“So be it!” exclaimed Quilla.  “Now I go to make ready the balsa and to warn the maidens lest they be frightened.  When you are prepared you will find us yonder behind the rock.”

Then she bowed in a stately fashion an departed, walking with the proud, light step of a deer.

From our little hut I took out my armour and with Kari’s help, put it on, because he declared that thus it would be more easily carried, though I think he had other reasons in his mind.

“Yes,” I answered, “unless the balsa oversets, when I shall find mail hard to swim in.”

“The balsa will not overset, sailing beneath the moon with that Moon-lady for a pilot,” he replied heavily.  “Had the sun been up, it might have been different.  Moreover, the path into a net is always wide and easy.”

“What net?” I asked.

“One that is woven of women’s hair, I think.  Already, if I mistake not, such a net has been about your throat, Master, and next time it will stay there.  Hearken now to me.  The gods thrust us into high matters.  The Yuncas of whose chief this lady is a guest are a great people whom my people have conquered in war, but who wait the opportunity to rebel, if they have not already done so.  The Chancas, of those king she is the daughter, are a still greater people who for years have threatened war upon my people.”

“Well, what of it, Kari?  With such questions this lady will have nothing to do.”

“I think she has much to do with them.  I think that she knows more than she seems to know, and that she is an envoy from the Chancas to the Yuncas.  To whom is she affianced, I wonder?  Some Great One, doubtless.  Well, we shall learn in time; and meanwhile, I pray you, Master, remember that she says she is affianced, and that in this land men are very jealous even of a white god who rises from the sea.”

“Of course I shall remember,” I answered sharply.  “Have I not had enough of women who are affianced?”