The blacks were getting more sullen and defiant, and the appearance of the men the previous night on his veranda--one of the gravest of offences on Berande--was ominous.

Sooner or later they would get him, if he did not get them first, if he did not once again sear on their dark souls the flaming mastery of the white man.
He returned to the house disappointed.

No opportunity had presented itself of making an example of insolence or insubordination--such as had occurred on every other day since the sickness smote Berande.

The fact that none had offended was in itself suspicious.

They were growing crafty.