He said with effort

"I came here . . . I leaped out of my stockade as after a defeat. I ran in the night. The water was black. I left him calling on the edge of black water. . . . I left him standing alone on the beach. I swam . . . he called out after me . . . I swam . . ."

He trembled from head to foot, sitting very upright and gazing straight before him. Left whom?

Who called?

We did not know. We could not understand. I said at all hazards

"Be firm."

The sound of my voice seemed to steady him into a sudden rigidity, but otherwise he took no notice. He seemed to listen, to expect something for a moment, then went on

"He cannot come heretherefore I sought you. You men with white faces who despise the invisible voices.

He cannot abide your unbelief and your strength."

He was silent for a while, then exclaimed softly

"Oh! the strength of unbelievers!"

"There's no one here but youand we three," said Hollis, quietly. He reclined with his head supported on elbow and did not budge.

"I know," said Karain. "He has never followed me here. Was not the wise man ever by my side?

But since the old wise man, who knew of my trouble, has died, I have heard the voice every night.