A quarter of an hour later she reappeared carrying a large gourd
upon her head. She wore no garment now except her moocha, for she
had but one mantle and was afraid lest the water should splash it. He
watched her advancing along the path, her hands resting on her hips, her
splendid naked figure outlined against the westering sun, and wondered
what excuse he could make to talk with her. As it chanced fortune
favoured him, for when she was near him a snake glided across the path
in front of the girl's feet, causing her to spring backwards in alarm
and overset the gourd of water. He came forward, and picked it up.
"Wait here," he said laughing; "I will bring it to you full."
"Nay, _Inkoos_," she remonstrated, "that is a woman's work."
"Among my people," he said, "the men love to work for the women," and he
started for the spring, leaving her wondering.
Before he reached her again, he regretted his gallantry, for it was
necessary to carry the handleless gourd upon his shoulder, and the
contents of it spilling over the edge soaked him.
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