In that case he might be exposed to serious danger, since, as he believed, those people were in possession of knowledge of a higher order, and practised arts of an occult nature.

Against danger arising from such a source, Okoya considered himself utterly defenceless.
The more he tried to think over these matters, the more troubled his mind became.

Only one thought appeared logical and probable and that was that the boy had overheard one or other of the Koshare's intimate conversations.

But how came it that the Koshare knew about Okoya's aversion toward them?
Who could have told them?
Only his mother knew the secret! Had she, perhaps, she--The thought was like a spark which glowed for a while, grew to a flame, flared and flickered unsteadily within his heart, then began to shrink.

No, no; it was impossible! it could not be! His mother would never betray her child! The flame died out, the spark remained fast dying.