'For God's sake, Davie,' he said, 'talk to them about Laputa.

It's our only chance.' I had never tried speaking before, and though I talked their tongue I had not Arcoll's gift of it.

But I felt that a great cause was at stake, and I spoke up as best I could.
I began by saying that Inkulu had been my friend, and that at Umvelos' before the rising he had tried to save my life.

At the mention of the name I saw eyes brighten.

At last the audience was hanging on my words.