That is his Special Taboo.

He keeps it for this month.

Even gods must respect that sign, for a reason which it would be very bad medicine to mention.
While the Month of Birds lasts, no man may look upon the king or hear him.

If they did, they would die, and the carrion birds would eat them.
Come away.

This is dangerous." Scarcely were the words well out of his mouth when from the recesses of the hut a rollicking French voice was heard, trilling out merrily: "Quand on con-spi-re, Quand, sans frayeur--" Without waiting for more, the Shadow seized Felix's arm in an agony of terror.