He was eager to go on, and yet in his eagerness he hesitated, and waited.

It seemed to him that he must become acquainted with this empty world before venturing farther into it--alone; that it was necessary for him to understand it a little, and get his bearings.

He could not lose himself.

Jacques had assured him of that, and Kio had pantomimed it, pointing many times at the broad, shallow stream that ran ahead of him.

All he had to do was to follow the river.