Lenerengo had never forgotten the fate of the last Mary who had broken the taboo.

It had occurred many years before, when she was a girl, and the recollection was ever vivid of the unfortunate woman hanging up in the sun by one arm for all of a day, and for all of a second day by the other arm.

After that she had been feasted upon by the stags of the canoe house, and for long afterward all women had talked softly before their husbands.
Jerry did discover liking for Lamai, but it was not strong nor passionate.

Rather was it out of gratitude, for only Lamai saw to it that he received food and water.

Yet this boy was no Skipper, no Mister Haggin.