Sometimes they are little
lakes, again but tiny pools, and often mere quagmires of mud, as
was this one overgrown with lush grasses which effectually hid its
treacherous identity. It is a wonder that Ace did not break a leg,
so fast he was going when he fell; but he didn't, though with four
good legs he was unable to wallow from the mire. Ajor and I had
sprawled face down in the covering grasses and so had not sunk
deeply; but when we tried to rise, we found that there was not
footing, and presently we saw that Du-seen and his followers were
coming down upon us. There was no escape. It was evident that we
were doomed.
"Slay me!" begged Ajor. "Let me die at thy loved hands rather than
beneath the knife of this hateful thing, for he will kill me. He
has sworn to kill me. Last night he captured me, and when later
he would have his way with me, I struck him with my fists and with
my knife I stabbed him, and then I escaped, leaving him raging in
pain and thwarted desire. Today they searched for me and found
me; and as I fled, Du-seen ran after me crying that he would slay
me. Kill me, my Tom, and then fall upon thine own spear, for they
will kill you horribly if they take you alive."
I couldn't kill her--not at least until the last moment; and I told
her so, and that I loved her, and that until death came, I would
live and fight for her.
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