Every word he had spoken was according to their convictions, and besides, whatever he said was law to them.

Hayoue rose, breathed on the hand of the old man, said "tro uashatze, umo," and left.

After his departure Topanashka also rose, but before crossing the threshold he whispered to Say,-- "They found nothing ?" "Nothing." "Was Tyope along ?" "He was." "In that case they may accuse you as much as they please, they cannot do you any harm." "But who could have told them ?" "That I do not know and cannot know; but rest easy, you are safe." With these words he left the dwelling and returned to his own abode, where his deaf consort was already asleep.

The fire had gone out; it was dark in his humble home; still Topanashka did not go to rest, but sat down in a corner and mused.

He felt happy in the thought that Okoya and Mitsha might become united; it caused him pleasure that his grandson should wed a child of his own clan.