Just go there and then return--nothing more; but when his little skiff touched the bank he leaped out, forgetting the painter, and the canoe hung for a moment amongst the bushes and then swung out of sight before he had time to dash into the water and secure it.

He was thunderstruck at first.

Now he could not go back unless he called up the Rajah's people to get a boat and rowers--and the way to Patalolo's campong led past Aissa's house! He went up the path with the eager eyes and reluctant steps of a man pursuing a phantom, and when he found himself at a place where a narrow track branched off to the left towards Omar's clearing he stood still, with a look of strained attention on his face as if listening to a far-off voice--the voice of his fate.

It was a sound inarticulate but full of meaning; and following it there came a rending and tearing within his breast.

He twisted his fingers together, and the joints of his hands and arms cracked.