Only it came in a manner that amazed him deeply.

Father Roland came from the room early in the evening, after playing his violin.

He locked the door, and as he put on his cap he said: "I shall be gone for an hour, David.

I am going over to Mukoki's cabin." He did not ask David to accompany him, and as he turned to go the key that he had held in his hand dropped to the floor.

It fell with a quite audible sound.