Therefore, in order to
disarm him of any thought that I might entertain suspicion as to
his sincerity, I promptly and courteously accepted his invitation.
His satisfaction was evident, and as we set off toward his village,
he walked beside me, asking many questions as to the country
from which I came, its peoples and their customs. He seemed much
mystified by the fact that we could walk abroad by day or night
without fear of being devoured by wild beasts or savage reptiles,
and when I told him of the great armies which we maintained, his
simple mind could not grasp the fact that they existed solely for
the slaughtering of human beings.
"I am glad," he said, "that I do not dwell in your country among
such savage peoples. Here, in Caspak, men fight with men when they
meet--men of different races--but their weapons are first for the
slaying of beasts in the chase and in defense. We do not fashion
weapons solely for the killing of man as do your peoples. Your
country must indeed be a savage country, from which you are fortunate
to have escaped to the peace and security of Caspak."
Here was a new and refreshing viewpoint; nor could I take exception
to it after what I had told Altan of the great war which had been
raging in Europe for over two years before I left home.
On the march to the Kro-lu village we were continually stalked by
innumerable beasts of prey, and three times we were attacked by
frightful creatures; but Altan took it all as a matter of course,
rushing forward with raised spear or sending a heavy shaft into
the body of the attacker and then returning to our conversation
as though no interruption had occurred.
Pages:
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121