"BeitthycoursetobeinggiddymindsWithforeignquarrels。"

——SHAKESPEARE

TO

ADOLFP。KRIEGER

FORTHESAKEOF

OLDDAYS

CONTENTS

KARAIN：AMEMORY

THEIDIOTS

ANOUTPOSTOFPROGRESS

THERETURN

THELAGOON

AUTHOR’SNOTE

Ofthefivestoriesinthisvolume，"TheLagoon，"thelastinorder，istheearliestindate。ItisthefirstshortstoryIeverwroteandmarks，inamannerofspeaking，theendofmyfirstphase，theMalayanphasewithitsspecialsubjectanditsverbalsuggestions。Conceivedinthesamemoodwhichproduced"Almayer’sFolly"and"AnOutcastoftheIslands，"itistoldinthesamebreath（withwhatwasleftofit，thatis，aftertheendof"AnOutcast"），seenwiththesamevision，renderedinthesamemethod——ifsuchathingasmethoddidexisttheninmyconsciousrelationtothisnewadventureofwritingforprint。I

doubtitverymuch。Onedoesone’sworkfirstandtheorisesaboutitafterwards。Itisaveryamusingandegotisticaloccupationofnousewhatevertoanyoneandjustaslikelyasnottoleadtofalseconclusions。

Anybodycanseethatbetweenthelastparagraphof"AnOutcast"andthefirstof"TheLagoon"therehasbeennochangeofpen，figurativelyspeaking。Ithappenedalsotobeliterallytrue。Itwasthesamepen：acommonsteelpen。HavingbeenchargedwithacertainlackofemotionalfacultyIamgladtobeabletosaythatononeoccasionatleastIdidgivewaytoasentimentalimpulse。Ithoughtthepenhadbeenagoodpenandthatithaddoneenoughforme，andso，withtheideaofkeepingitforasortofmementoonwhichIcouldlooklaterwithtendereyes，Iputitintomywaistcoatpocket。

Afterwardsitusedtoturnupinallsortsofplaces——atthebottomofsmalldrawers，amongmystudsincardboardboxes——tillatlastitfoundpermanentrestinalargewoodenbowlcontainingsomeloosekeys，bitsofsealingwax，bitsofstring，smallbrokenchains，afewbuttons，andsimilarminutewreckagethatwashesoutofaman’slifeintosuchreceptacles。Iwouldcatchsightofitfromtimetotimewithadistinctfeelingofsatisfactiontill，oneday，Iperceivedwithhorrorthatthereweretwooldpensinthere。HowtheotherpenfounditswayintothebowlinsteadofthefireplaceorwastepaperbasketIcan’timagine，buttherethetwowere，lyingsidebyside，bothencrustedwithinkandcompletelyundistinguishablefromeachother。Itwasverydistressing，butbeingdeterminednottosharemysentimentbetweentwopensorruntheriskofsentimentalisingoveramerestranger，Ithrewthembothoutofthewindowintoaflowerbed——

whichstrikesmenowasapoeticalgravefortheremnantsofone’spast。

Butthetaleremained。Itwasfirstfixedinprintinthe"CornhillMagazine"，beingmyfirstappearanceinaserialofanykind；andI

havelivedlongenoughtoseeitguyedmostagreeablybyMr。MaxBeerbohminavolumeofparodiesentitled"AChristmasGarland，"whereIfoundmyselfinverygoodcompany。Iwasimmenselygratified。I

begantobelieveinmypublicexistence。Ihavemuchtothank"TheLagoon"for。

Mynexteffortinshort-storywritingwasadeparture——ImeanadeparturefromtheMalayArchipelago。Withoutpremeditation，withoutsorrow，withoutrejoicing，andalmostwithoutnoticingit，Isteppedintotheverydifferentatmosphereof"AnOutpostofProgress。"I

foundthereadifferentmoralattitude。Iseemedabletocapturenewreactions，newsuggestions，andevennewrhythmsformyparagraphs。

ForamomentIfanciedmyselfanewman——amostexcitingillusion。Itclungtomeforsometime，monstrous，halfconvictionandhalfhopeastoitsbody，withaniridescenttailofdreamsandwithachangeableheadlikeaplasticmask。ItwasonlylaterthatIperceivedthatincommonwiththerestofmennothingcoulddelivermefrommyfatalconsistency。Wecannotescapefromourselves。

"AnOutpostofProgress"isthelightestpartofthelootIcarriedofffromCentralAfrica，themainportionbeingofcourse"TheHeartofDarkness。"OthermenhavefoundalotofquitedifferentthingsthereandIhavethecomfortableconvictionthatwhatItookwouldnothavebeenofmuchusetoanybodyelse。Anditmustbesaidthatitwasbutaverysmallamountofplunder。Allofitcouldgointoone’sbreastpocketwhenfoldedneatly。Asforthestoryitselfitistrueenoughinitsessentials。ThesustainedinventionofareallytellingliedemandsatalentwhichIdonotpossess。

"TheIdiots"issuchanobviouslyderivativepieceofworkthatitisimpossibleformetosayanythingaboutithere。Thesuggestionofitwasnotmentalbutvisual：theactualidiots。Itwasafteranintervaloflonggropingamongstvagueimpulsesandhesitationswhichendedintheproductionof"TheNigger"thatIturnedtomythirdshortstoryintheorderoftime，thefirstinthisvolume："Karain：AMemory。"

Readingitaftermanyyears"Karain"producedonmetheeffectofsomethingseenthroughapairofglassesfromaratheradvantageousposition。InthatstoryIhadnotgonebacktotheArchipelago，Ihadonlyturnedforanotherlookatit。IadmitthatIwasabsorbedbythedistantview，soabsorbedthatIdidn’tnoticethenthatthemotifofthestoryisalmostidenticalwiththemotifof"TheLagoon。"However，theideaatthebackisverydifferent；butthestoryismainlymadememorabletomebythefactthatitwasmyfirstcontributionto"Blackwood’sMagazine"andthatitledtomypersonalacquaintancewithMr。WilliamBlackwoodwhoseguardedappreciationIfeltneverthelesstobegenuine，andprizedaccordingly。"Karain"wasbegunonasuddenimpulseonlythreedaysafterIwrotethelastlineof"TheNigger，"andtherecollectionofitsdifficultiesismixedupwiththeworriesoftheunfinished"Return，"thelastpagesofwhichI

tookupagainatthetime；theonlyinstanceinmylifewhenImadeanattempttowritewithbothhandsatonceasitwere。

Indeedmyinnermostfeeling，now，isthat"TheReturn"isaleft-

handedproduction。LookingthroughthatstorylatelyIhadthematerialimpressionofsittingunderalargeandexpensiveumbrellainthelouddrummingofaheavyrain-shower。Itwasverydistracting。Inthegeneraluproaronecouldheareveryindividualdropstrikeonthestoutanddistendedsilk。Mentally，thereadingrenderedmedumbfortheremainderoftheday，notexactlywithastonishmentbutwithasortofdismalwonder。Idon’twanttotalkdisrespectfullyofanypagesofmine。Psychologicallytherewerenodoubtgoodreasonsformyattempt；anditwasworthwhile，ifonlytoseeofwhatexcessesIwascapableinthatsortofvirtuosity。InthisconnectionIshouldliketoconfessmysurpriseonfindingthatnotwithstandingallitsapparatusofanalysisthestoryconsistsforthemostpartofphysicalimpressions；impressionsofsoundandsight，railwaystation，streets，atrottinghorse，reflectionsinmirrorsandsoon，renderedasiffortheirownsakeandcombinedwithasublimateddescriptionofadesirablemiddle-classtown-residencewhichsomehowmanagestoproduceasinistereffect。Fortherestanykindwordabout"TheReturn"（andtherehavebeensuchwordssaidatdifferenttimes）awakensinmetheliveliestgratitude，forIknowhowmuchthewritingofthatfantasyhascostmeinsheertoil，intemper，andindisillusion。

J。C。

TALESOFUNREST

KARAINAMEMORY

I

Weknewhiminthoseunprotecteddayswhenwewerecontenttoholdinourhandsourlivesandourproperty。Noneofus，Ibelieve，hasanypropertynow，andIhearthatmany，negligently，havelosttheirlives；butIamsurethatthefewwhosurvivearenotyetsodim-eyedastomissinthebefoggedrespectabilityoftheirnewspaperstheintelligenceofvariousnativerisingsintheEasternArchipelago。

Sunshinegleamsbetweenthelinesofthoseshortparagraphs——sunshineandtheglitterofthesea。Astrangenamewakesupmemories；theprintedwordsscentthesmokyatmosphereofto-dayfaintly，withthesubtleandpenetratingperfumeasoflandbreezesbreathingthroughthestarlightofbygonenights；asignalfiregleamslikeajewelonthehighbrowofasombrecliff；greattrees，theadvancedsentriesofimmenseforests，standwatchfulandstilloversleepingstretchesofopenwater；alineofwhitesurfthundersonanemptybeach，theshallowwaterfoamsonthereefs；andgreenisletsscatteredthroughthecalmofnoondaylieuponthelevelofapolishedsea，likeahandfulofemeraldsonabucklerofsteel。

Therearefacestoo——facesdark，truculent，andsmiling；thefrankaudaciousfacesofmenbarefooted，wellarmedandnoiseless。Theythrongedthenarrowlengthofourschooner’sdeckswiththeirornamentedandbarbarouscrowd，withthevariegatedcoloursofcheckeredsarongs，redturbans，whitejackets，embroideries；withthegleamofscabbards，goldrings，charms，armlets，lanceblades，andjewelledhandlesoftheirweapons。Theyhadanindependentbearing，resoluteeyes，arestrainedmanner；andweseemyettoheartheirsoftvoicesspeakingofbattles，travels，andescapes；boastingwithcomposure，jokingquietly；sometimesinwell-bredmurmursextollingtheirownvalour，ourgenerosity；orcelebratingwithloyalenthusiasmthevirtuesoftheirruler。Werememberthefaces，theeyes，thevoices，weseeagainthegleamofsilkandmetal；themurmuringstirofthatcrowd，brilliant，festive，andmartial；andweseemtofeelthetouchoffriendlybrownhandsthat，afteroneshortgrasp，returntorestonachasedhilt。TheywereKarain’speople——adevotedfollowing。Theirmovementshungonhislips；theyreadtheirthoughtsinhiseyes；hemurmuredtothemnonchalantlyoflifeanddeath，andtheyacceptedhiswordshumbly，likegiftsoffate。Theywereallfreemen，andwhenspeakingtohimsaid，"Yourslave。"Onhispassagevoicesdiedoutasthoughhehadwalkedguardedbysilence；

awedwhispersfollowedhim。Theycalledhimtheirwar-chief。Hewastherulerofthreevillagesonanarrowplain；themasterofaninsignificantfootholdontheearth——ofaconqueredfootholdthat，shapedlikeayoungmoon，layignoredbetweenthehillsandthesea。

Fromthedeckofourschooner，anchoredinthemiddleofthebay，heindicatedbyatheatricalsweepofhisarmalongthejaggedoutlineofthehillsthewholeofhisdomain；andtheamplemovementseemedtodrivebackitslimits，augmentingitsuddenlyintosomethingsoimmenseandvaguethatforamomentitappearedtobeboundedonlybythesky。Andreally，lookingatthatplace，landlockedfromtheseaandshutofffromthelandbytheprecipitousslopesofmountains，itwasdifficulttobelieveintheexistenceofanyneighbourhood。Itwasstill，complete，unknown，andfullofalifethatwentonstealthilywithatroublingeffectofsolitude；ofalifethatseemedunaccountablyemptyofanythingthatwouldstirthethought，touchtheheart，giveahintoftheominoussequenceofdays。Itappearedtousalandwithoutmemories，regrets，andhopes；alandwherenothingcouldsurvivethecomingofthenight，andwhereeachsunrise，likeadazzlingactofspecialcreation，wasdisconnectedfromtheeveandthemorrow。

Karainswepthishandoverit。"Allmine！"Hestruckthedeckwithhislongstaff；thegoldheadflashedlikeafallingstar；veryclosebehindhimasilentoldfellowinarichlyembroideredblackjacketaloneofalltheMalaysarounddidnotfollowthemasterfulgesturewithalook。Hedidnotevenlifthiseyelids。Hebowedhisheadbehindhismaster，andwithoutstirringheldhiltupoverhisrightshoulderalongbladeinasilverscabbard。Hewasthereonduty，butwithoutcuriosity，andseemedweary，notwithage，butwiththepossessionofaburdensomesecretofexistence。Karain，heavyandproud，hadaloftyposeandbreathedcalmly。Itwasourfirstvisit，andwelookedaboutcuriously。

Thebaywaslikeabottomlesspitofintenselight。Thecircularsheetofwaterreflectedaluminoussky，andtheshoresenclosingitmadeanopaqueringofearthfloatinginanemptinessoftransparentblue。Thehills，purpleandarid，stoodoutheavilyonthesky：theirsummitsseemedtofadeintoacolouredtrembleasofascendingvapour；theirsteepsideswerestreakedwiththegreenofnarrowravines；attheirfootlayrice-fields，plantain-patches，yellowsands。Atorrentwoundaboutlikeadroppedthread。Clumpsoffruit-treesmarkedthevillages；slimpalmsputtheirnoddingheadstogetherabovethelowhouses；driedpalm-leafroofsshoneafar，likeroofsofgold，behindthedarkcolonnadesoftree-trunks；figurespassedvividandvanishing；thesmokeoffiresstooduprightabovethemassesoffloweringbushes；bamboofencesglittered，runningawayinbrokenlinesbetweenthefields。Asuddencryontheshoresoundedplaintiveinthedistance，andceasedabruptly，asifstifledinthedownpourofsunshine。Apuffofbreezemadeaflashofdarknessonthesmoothwater，touchedourfaces，andbecameforgotten。Nothingmoved。Thesunblazeddownintoashadowlesshollowofcoloursandstillness。

Itwasthestagewhere，dressedsplendidlyforhispart，hestrutted，incomparablydignified，madeimportantbythepowerhehadtoawakenanabsurdexpectationofsomethingheroicgoingtotakeplace——aburstofactionorsong——uponthevibratingtoneofawonderfulsunshine。Hewasornateanddisturbing，foronecouldnotimaginewhatdepthofhorriblevoidsuchanelaboratefrontcouldbeworthytohide。Hewasnotmasked——therewastoomuchlifeinhim，andamaskisonlyalifelessthing；buthepresentedhimselfessentiallyasanactor，asahumanbeingaggressivelydisguised。Hissmallestactswerepreparedandunexpected，hisspeechesgrave，hissentencesominouslikehintsandcomplicatedlikearabesques。HewastreatedwithasolemnrespectaccordedintheirreverentWestonlytothemonarchsofthestage，andheacceptedtheprofoundhomagewithasustaineddignityseennowhereelsebutbehindthefootlightsandinthecondensedfalsenessofsomegrosslytragicsituation。Itwasalmostimpossibletorememberwhohewas——onlyapettychiefofaconvenientlyisolatedcornerofMindanao，wherewecouldincomparativesafetybreakthelawagainstthetrafficinfirearmsandammunitionwiththenatives。WhatwouldhappenshouldoneofthemoribundSpanishgun-boatsbesuddenlygalvanizedintoaflickerofactivelifedidnottroubleus，oncewewereinsidethebay——socompletelydiditappearoutofthereachofameddlingworld；andbesides，inthosedayswewereimaginativeenoughtolookwithakindofjoyousequanimityonanychancetherewasofbeingquietlyhangedsomewhereoutofthewayofdiplomaticremonstrance。AstoKarain，nothingcouldhappentohimunlesswhathappenstoall——failureanddeath；buthisqualitywastoappearclothedintheillusionofunavoidablesuccess。Heseemedtooeffective，toonecessarythere，toomuchofanessentialconditionfortheexistenceofhislandandhispeople，tobedestroyedbyanythingshortofanearthquake。Hesummeduphisrace，hiscountry，theelementalforceofardentlife，oftropicalnature。Hehaditsluxuriantstrength，itsfascination；

and，likeit，hecarriedtheseedofperilwithin。

Inmanysuccessivevisitswecametoknowhisstagewell——thepurplesemicircleofhills，theslimtreesleaningoverhouses，theyellowsands，thestreaminggreenofravines。Allthathadthecrudeandblendedcolouring，theappropriatenessalmostexcessive，thesuspiciousimmobilityofapaintedscene；anditenclosedsoperfectlytheaccomplishedactingofhisamazingpretencesthattherestoftheworldseemedshutoutforeverfromthegorgeousspectacle。

Therecouldbenothingoutside。Itwasasiftheearthhadgoneonspinning，andhadleftthatcrumbofitssurfacealoneinspace。Heappearedutterlycutofffromeverythingbutthesunshine，andthatevenseemedtobemadeforhimalone。Oncewhenaskedwhatwasontheothersideofthehills，hesaid，withameaningsmile，"Friendsandenemies——manyenemies；elsewhyshouldIbuyyourriflesandpowder？"

Hewasalwayslikethis——word-perfectinhispart，playingupfaithfullytothemysteriesandcertitudesofhissurroundings。

"Friendsandenemies"——nothingelse。Itwasimpalpableandvast。Theearthhadindeedrolledawayfromunderhisland，andhe，withhishandfulofpeople，stoodsurroundedbyasilenttumultasofcontendingshades。Certainlynosoundcamefromoutside。"Friendsandenemies！"Hemighthaveadded，"andmemories，"atleastasfarashehimselfwasconcerned；butheneglectedtomakethatpointthen。Itmadeitselflateron，though；butitwasafterthedailyperformance——

inthewings，sotospeak，andwiththelightsout。Meantimehefilledthestagewithbarbarousdignity。Sometenyearsagohehadledhispeople——ascratchlotofwanderingBugis——totheconquestofthebay，andnowinhisaugustcaretheyhadforgottenallthepast，andhadlostallconcernforthefuture。Hegavethemwisdom，advice，reward，punishment，lifeordeath，withthesameserenityofattitudeandvoice。Heunderstoodirrigationandtheartofwar——thequalitiesofweaponsandthecraftofboat-building。Hecouldconcealhisheart；

hadmoreendurance；hecouldswimlonger，andsteeracanoebetterthananyofhispeople；hecouldshootstraighter，andnegotiatemoretortuouslythananymanofhisraceIknew。Hewasanadventurerofthesea，anoutcast，aruler——andmyverygoodfriend。Iwishhimaquickdeathinastand-upfight，adeathinsunshine；forhehadknownremorseandpower，andnomancandemandmorefromlife。Dayafterdayheappearedbeforeus，incomparablyfaithfultotheillusionsofthestage，andatsunsetthenightdescendeduponhimquickly，likeafallingcurtain。Theseamedhillsbecameblackshadowstoweringhighuponaclearsky；abovethemtheglitteringconfusionofstarsresembledamadturmoilstilledbyagesture；soundsceased，menslept，formsvanished——andtherealityoftheuniversealoneremained——amarvellousthingofdarknessandglimmers。

II

Butitwasatnightthathetalkedopenly，forgettingtheexactionsofhisstage。Inthedaytimetherewereaffairstobediscussedinstate。Therewereatfirstbetweenhimandmehisownsplendour，myshabbysuspicions，andthesceniclandscapethatintrudedupontherealityofourlivesbyitsmotionlessfantasyofoutlineandcolour。

Hisfollowersthrongedroundhim；abovehisheadthebroadbladesoftheirspearsmadeaspikedhaloofironpoints，andtheyhedgedhimfromhumanitybytheshimmerofsilks，thegleamofweapons，theexcitedandrespectfulhumofeagervoices。Beforesunsethewouldtakeleavewithceremony，andgooffsittingunderaredumbrella，andescortedbyascoreofboats。Allthepaddlesflashedandstrucktogetherwithamightysplashthatreverberatedloudlyinthemonumentalamphitheatreofhills。Abroadstreamofdazzlingfoamtrailedbehindtheflotilla。Thecanoesappearedveryblackonthewhitehissofwater；turbanedheadsswayedbackandforth；amultitudeofarmsincrimsonandyellowroseandfellwithonemovement；thespearmenuprightinthebowsofcanoeshadvariegatedsarongsandgleamingshoulderslikebronzestatues；themutteredstrophesofthepaddlers’songendedperiodicallyinaplaintiveshout。Theydiminishedinthedistance；thesongceased；theyswarmedonthebeachinthelongshadowsofthewesternhills。Thesunlightlingeredonthepurplecrests，andwecouldseehimleadingthewaytohisstockade，aburlybareheadedfigurewalkingfarinadvanceofastragglingcortege，andswingingregularlyanebonystafftallerthanhimself。

Thedarknessdeepenedfast；torchesgleamedfitfully，passingbehindbushes；alonghailortwotrailedinthesilenceoftheevening；andatlastthenightstretcheditssmoothveilovertheshore，thelights，andthevoices。

Then，justaswewerethinkingofrepose，thewatchmenoftheschoonerwouldhailasplashofpaddlesawayinthestarlitgloomofthebay；avoicewouldrespondincautioustones，andourserang，puttinghisheaddowntheopenskylight，wouldinformuswithoutsurprise，"ThatRajah，hecoming。Heherenow。"Karainappearednoiselesslyinthedoorwayofthelittlecabin。Hewassimplicityitselfthen；allinwhite；muffledabouthishead；forarmsonlyakrisswithaplainbuffalo-hornhandle，whichhewouldpolitelyconcealwithinafoldofhissarongbeforesteppingoverthethreshold。Theoldsword-bearer’sface，theworn-outandmournfulfacesocoveredwithwrinklesthatitseemedtolookoutthroughthemeshesofafinedarknet，couldbeseencloseabovehisshoulders。

Karainnevermovedwithoutthatattendant，whostoodorsquattedcloseathisback。Hehadadislikeofanopenspacebehindhim。Itwasmorethanadislike——itresembledfear，anervouspreoccupationofwhatwentonwherehecouldnotsee。This，inviewoftheevidentandfierceloyaltythatsurroundedhim，wasinexplicable。Hewastherealoneinthemidstofdevotedmen；hewassafefromneighbourlyambushes，fromfraternalambitions；andyetmorethanoneofourvisitorshadassuredusthattheirrulercouldnotbeartobealone。

Theysaid，"Evenwhenheeatsandsleepsthereisalwaysoneonthewatchnearhimwhohasstrengthandweapons。"Therewasindeedalwaysonenearhim，thoughourinformantshadnoconceptionofthatwatcher’sstrengthandweapons，whichwerebothshadowyandterrible。

Weknew，butonlylateron，whenwehadheardthestory。Meantimewenoticedthat，evenduringthemostimportantinterviews，Karainwouldoftengiveastart，andinterruptinghisdiscourse，wouldsweephisarmbackwithasuddenmovement，tofeelwhethertheoldfellowwasthere。Theoldfellow，impenetrableandweary，wasalwaysthere。Hesharedhisfood，hisrepose，andhisthoughts；heknewhisplans，guardedhissecrets；and，impassivebehindhismaster’sagitation，withoutstirringtheleastbit，murmuredabovehisheadinasoothingtonesomewordsdifficulttocatch。

Itwasonlyonboardtheschooner，whensurroundedbywhitefaces，byunfamiliarsightsandsounds，thatKarainseemedtoforgetthestrangeobsessionthatwoundlikeablackthreadthroughthegorgeouspompofhispubliclife。Atnightwetreatedhiminafreeandeasymanner，whichjuststoppedshortofslappinghimontheback，fortherearelibertiesonemustnottakewithaMalay。Hesaidhimselfthatonsuchoccasionshewasonlyaprivategentlemancomingtoseeothergentlemenwhomhesupposedaswellbornashimself。IfancythattothelasthebelievedustobeemissariesofGovernment，darklyofficialpersonsfurtheringbyourillegaltrafficsomedarkschemeofhighstatecraft。Ourdenialsandprotestationswereunavailing。

HeonlysmiledwithdiscreetpolitenessandinquiredabouttheQueen。Everyvisitbeganwiththatinquiry；hewasinsatiableofdetails；hewasfascinatedbytheholderofasceptretheshadowofwhich，stretchingfromthewestwardovertheearthandovertheseas，passedfarbeyondhisownhand’s-breadthofconqueredland。Hemultipliedquestions；hecouldneverknowenoughoftheMonarchofwhomhespokewithwonderandchivalrousrespect——withakindofaffectionateawe！Afterwards，whenwehadlearnedthathewasthesonofawomanwhohadmanyyearsagoruledasmallBugisstate，wecametosuspectthatthememoryofhismother（ofwhomhespokewithenthusiasm）mingledsomehowinhismindwiththeimagehetriedtoformforhimselfofthefar-offQueenwhomhecalledGreat，Invincible，Pious，andFortunate。Wehadtoinventdetailsatlasttosatisfyhiscravingcuriosity；andourloyaltymustbepardoned，forwetriedtomakethemfitforhisaugustandresplendentideal。Wetalked。Thenightslippedoverus，overthestillschooner，overthesleepingland，andoverthesleeplessseathatthunderedamongstthereefsoutsidethebay。Hispaddlers，twotrustworthymen，sleptinthecanoeatthefootofourside-ladder。Theoldconfidant，relievedfromduty，dozedonhisheels，withhisbackagainstthecompanion-doorway；

andKarainsatsquarelyintheship’swoodenarmchair，undertheslightswayofthecabinlamp，acherootbetweenhisdarkfingers，andaglassoflemonadebeforehim。Hewasamusedbythefizzofthething，butafterasiportwowouldletitgetflat，andwithacourteouswaveofhishandaskforafreshbottle。Hedecimatedourslenderstock；butwedidnotbegrudgeittohim，for，whenhebegan，hetalkedwell。HemusthavebeenagreatBugisdandyinhistime，foreventhen（andwhenweknewhimhewasnolongeryoung）hissplendourwasspotlesslyneat，andhedyedhishairalightshadeofbrown。Thequietdignityofhisbearingtransformedthedim-litcuddyoftheschoonerintoanaudience-hall。Hetalkedofinter-islandpoliticswithanironicandmelancholyshrewdness。Hehadtravelledmuch，sufferednotalittle，intrigued，fought。HeknewnativeCourts，EuropeanSettlements，theforests，thesea，and，ashesaidhimself，hadspokeninhistimetomanygreatmen。HelikedtotalkwithmebecauseIhadknownsomeofthesemen：heseemedtothinkthatIcouldunderstandhim，and，withafineconfidence，assumedthatI，atleast，couldappreciatehowmuchgreaterhewashimself。Buthepreferredtotalkofhisnativecountry——asmallBugisstateontheislandofCelebes。Ihadvisiteditsometimebefore，andheaskedeagerlyfornews。Asmen’snamescameupinconversationhewouldsay，"Weswamagainstoneanotherwhenwewereboys"；or，"Wehuntedthedeertogether——hecouldusethenooseandthespearaswellasI。"Nowandthenhisbigdreamyeyeswouldrollrestlessly；hefrownedorsmiled，orhewouldbecomepensive，and，staringinsilence，wouldnodslightlyforatimeatsomeregrettedvisionofthepast。

Hismotherhadbeentherulerofasmallsemi-independentstateonthesea-coastattheheadoftheGulfofBoni。Hespokeofherwithpride。Shehadbeenawomanresoluteinaffairsofstateandofherownheart。Afterthedeathofherfirsthusband，undismayedbytheturbulentoppositionofthechiefs，shemarriedarichtrader，aKorinchimanofnofamily。Karainwashersonbythatsecondmarriage，buthisunfortunatedescenthadapparentlynothingtodowithhisexile。Hesaidnothingastoitscause，thoughonceheletslipwithasigh，"Ha！mylandwillnotfeelanymoretheweightofmybody。"Butherelatedwillinglythestoryofhiswanderings，andtoldusallabouttheconquestofthebay。Alludingtothepeoplebeyondthehills，hewouldmurmurgently，withacarelesswaveofthehand，"Theycameoverthehillsoncetofightus，butthosewhogotawaynevercameagain。"Hethoughtforawhile，smilingtohimself。"Veryfewgotaway，"headded，withproudserenity。Hecherishedtherecollectionsofhissuccesses；hehadanexultingeagernessforendeavour；whenhetalked，hisaspectwaswarlike，chivalrous，anduplifting。Nowonderhispeopleadmiredhim。Wesawhimoncewalkingindaylightamongstthehousesofthesettlement。Atthedoorsofhutsgroupsofwomenturnedtolookafterhim，warblingsoftly，andwithgleamingeyes；armedmenstoodoutoftheway，submissiveanderect；othersapproachedfromtheside，bendingtheirbackstoaddresshimhumbly；

anoldwomanstretchedoutadrapedleanarm——"Blessingsonthyhead！"shecriedfromadarkdoorway；afiery-eyedmanshowedabovethelowfenceofaplantain-patchastreamingface，abarebreastscarredintwoplaces，andbellowedoutpantinglyafterhim，"Godgivevictorytoourmaster！"Karainwalkedfast，andwithfirmlongstrides；heansweredgreetingsrightandleftbyquickpiercingglances。Childrenranforwardbetweenthehouses，peepedfearfullyroundcorners；youngboyskeptupwithhim，glidingbetweenbushes：

theireyesgleamedthroughthedarkleaves。Theoldsword-bearer，shoulderingthesilverscabbard，shuffledhastilyathisheelswithbowedhead，andhiseyesontheground。Andinthemidstofagreatstirtheypassedswiftandabsorbed，liketwomenhurryingthroughagreatsolitude。

Inhiscouncilhallhewassurroundedbythegravityofarmedchiefs，whiletwolongrowsofoldheadmendressedincottonstuffssquattedontheirheels，withidlearmshangingovertheirknees。Underthethatchroofsupportedbysmoothcolumns，ofwhicheachonehadcostthelifeofastraight-stemmedyoungpalm，thescentoffloweringhedgesdriftedinwarmwaves。Thesunwassinking。Intheopencourtyardsuppliantswalkedthroughthegate，raising，whenyetfaroff，theirjoinedhandsabovebowedheads，andbendinglowinthebrightstreamofsunlight。Younggirls，withflowersintheirlaps，satunderthewide-spreadingboughsofabigtree。Thebluesmokeofwoodfiresspreadinathinmistabovethehigh-pitchedroofsofhousesthathadglisteningwallsofwovenreeds，andallroundthemroughwoodenpillarsundertheslopingeaves。Hedispensedjusticeintheshade；fromahighseathegaveorders，advice，reproof。Nowandthenthehumofapprobationroselouder，andidlespearmenthatloungedlistlesslyagainsttheposts，lookingatthegirls，wouldturntheirheadsslowly。Tonomanhadbeengiventheshelterofsomuchrespect，confidence，andawe。Yetattimeshewouldleanforwardandappeartolistenasforafar-offnoteofdiscord，asifexpectingtohearsomefaintvoice，thesoundoflightfootsteps；orhewouldstarthalfupinhisseat，asthoughhehadbeenfamiliarlytouchedontheshoulder。Heglancedbackwithapprehension；hisagedfollowerwhisperedinaudiblyathisear；thechiefsturnedtheireyesawayinsilence，fortheoldwizard，themanwhocouldcommandghostsandsendevilspiritsagainstenemies，wasspeakinglowtotheirruler。Aroundtheshortstillnessoftheopenplacethetreesrustledfaintly，thesoftlaughterofgirlsplayingwiththeflowersroseinclearburstsofjoyoussound。Attheendofuprightspear-shaftsthelongtuftsofdyedhorse-hairwavedcrimsonandfilmyinthegustofwind；andbeyondtheblazeofhedgesthebrookoflimpidquickwaterraninvisibleandloudunderthedroopinggrassofthebank，withagreatmurmur，passionateandgentle。

Aftersunset，faracrossthefieldsandoverthebay，clustersoftorchescouldbeseenburningunderthehighroofsofthecouncilshed。Smokyredflamesswayedonhighpoles，andthefieryblazeflickeredoverfaces，clungtothesmoothtrunksofpalm-trees，kindledbrightsparksontherimsofmetaldishesstandingonfinefloor-mats。Thatobscureadventurerfeastedlikeaking。Smallgroupsofmencrouchedintightcirclesroundthewoodenplatters；brownhandshoveredoversnowyheapsofrice。Sittinguponaroughcouchapartfromtheothers，heleanedonhiselbowwithinclinedhead；andnearhimayouthimprovisedinahightoneasongthatcelebratedhisvalourandwisdom。Thesingerrockedhimselftoandfro，rollingfrenziedeyes；oldwomenhobbledaboutwithdishes，andmen，squattinglow，liftedtheirheadstolistengravelywithoutceasingtoeat。Thesongoftriumphvibratedinthenight，andthestanzasrolledoutmournfulandfierylikethethoughtsofahermit。Hesilenceditwithasign，"Enough！"Anowlhootedfaraway，exultinginthedelightofdeepgloomindensefoliage；overheadlizardsranintheattapthatch，callingsoftly；thedryleavesoftheroofrustled；therumourofmingledvoicesgrewloudersuddenly。Afteracircularandstartledglance，asofamanwakingupabruptlytothesenseofdanger，hewouldthrowhimselfback，andunderthedownwardgazeoftheoldsorcerertakeup，wide-eyed，theslenderthreadofhisdream。Theywatchedhismoods；theswellingrumourofanimatedtalksubsidedlikeawaveonaslopingbeach。Thechiefispensive。Andabovethespreadingwhisperofloweredvoicesonlyalittlerattleofweaponswouldbeheard，asinglelouderworddistinctandalone，orthegraveringofabigbrasstray。

III

Fortwoyearsatshortintervalswevisitedhim。Wecametolikehim，totrusthim，almosttoadmirehim。Hewasplottingandpreparingawarwithpatience，withforesight——withafidelitytohispurposeandwithasteadfastnessofwhichIwouldhavethoughthimraciallyincapable。Heseemedfearlessofthefuture，andinhisplansdisplayedasagacitythatwasonlylimitedbyhisprofoundignoranceoftherestoftheworld。Wetriedtoenlightenhim，butourattemptstomakecleartheirresistiblenatureoftheforceswhichhedesiredtoarrestfailedtodiscouragehiseagernesstostrikeablowforhisownprimitiveideas。Hedidnotunderstandus，andrepliedbyargumentsthatalmostdroveonetodesperationbytheirchildishshrewdness。Hewasabsurdandunanswerable。Sometimeswecaughtglimpsesofasombre，glowingfurywithinhim——abroodingandvaguesenseofwrong，andaconcentratedlustofviolencewhichisdangerousinanative。Heravedlikeoneinspired。Ononeoccasion，afterwehadbeentalkingtohimlateinhiscampong，hejumpedup。Agreat，clearfireblazedinthegrove；lightsandshadowsdancedtogetherbetweenthetrees；inthestillnightbatsflittedinandoutoftheboughslikeflutteringflakesofdenserdarkness。Hesnatchedtheswordfromtheoldman，whizzeditoutofthescabbard，andthrustthepointintotheearth。Uponthethin，uprightbladethesilverhilt，released，swayedbeforehimlikesomethingalive。Hesteppedbackapace，andinadeadenedtonespokefiercelytothevibratingsteel："Ifthereisvirtueinthefire，intheiron，inthehandthatforgedthee，inthewordsspokenoverthee，inthedesireofmyheart，andinthewisdomofthymakers，——thenweshallbevictorioustogether！"Hedrewitout，lookedalongtheedge。"Take，"hesaidoverhisshouldertotheoldsword-bearer。Theother，unmovedonhishams，wipedthepointwithacornerofhissarong，andreturningtheweapontoitsscabbard，satnursingitonhiskneeswithoutasinglelookupwards。Karain，suddenlyverycalm，reseatedhimselfwithdignity。Wegaveupremonstratingafterthis，andlethimgohiswaytoanhonourabledisaster。Allwecoulddoforhimwastoseetoitthatthepowderwasgoodforthemoneyandtheriflesserviceable，ifold。

Butthegamewasbecomingatlasttoodangerous；andifwe，whohadfaceditprettyoften，thoughtlittleofthedanger，itwasdecidedforusbysomeveryrespectablepeoplesittingsafelyincounting-housesthattherisksweretoogreat，andthatonlyonemoretripcouldbemade。Aftergivingintheusualwaymanymisleadinghintsastoourdestination，weslippedawayquietly，andafteraveryquickpassageenteredthebay。Itwasearlymorning，andevenbeforetheanchorwenttothebottomtheschoonerwassurroundedbyboats。

ThefirstthingweheardwasthatKarain’smysterioussword-bearerhaddiedafewdaysago。Wedidnotattachmuchimportancetothenews。ItwascertainlydifficulttoimagineKarainwithouthisinseparablefollower；butthefellowwasold，hehadneverspokentooneofus，wehardlyeverhadheardthesoundofhisvoice；andwehadcometolookuponhimasuponsomethinginanimate，asapartofourfriend’strappingsofstate——likethatswordhehadcarried，orthefringedredumbrelladisplayedduringanofficialprogress。Karaindidnotvisitusintheafternoonasusual。Amessageofgreetingandapresentoffruitandvegetablescameoffforusbeforesunset。

Ourfriendpaiduslikeabanker，buttreateduslikeaprince。Wesatupforhimtillmidnight。UnderthesternawningbeardedJacksonjingledanoldguitarandsang，withanexecrableaccent，Spanishlove-songs；whileyoungHollisandI，sprawlingonthedeck，hadagameofchessbythelightofacargolantern。Karaindidnotappear。

Nextdaywewerebusyunloading，andheardthattheRajahwasunwell。

Theexpectedinvitationtovisithimashoredidnotcome。Wesentfriendlymessages，but，fearingtointrudeuponsomesecretcouncil，remainedonboard。Earlyonthethirddaywehadlandedallthepowderandrifles，andalsoasix-pounderbrassgunwithitscarriagewhichwehadsubscribedtogetherforapresentforourfriend。Theafternoonwassultry。Raggededgesofblackcloudspeepedoverthehills，andinvisiblethunderstormscircledoutside，growlinglikewildbeasts。Wegottheschoonerreadyforsea，intendingtoleavenextmorningatdaylight。Alldayamercilesssunblazeddownintothebay，fierceandpale，asifatwhiteheat。Nothingmovedontheland。Thebeachwasempty，thevillagesseemeddeserted；thetreesfaroffstoodinunstirringclumps，asifpainted；thewhitesmokeofsomeinvisiblebush-firespreaditselflowovertheshoresofthebaylikeasettlingfog。LateinthedaythreeofKarain’schiefmen，dressedintheirbestandarmedtotheteeth，cameoffinacanoe，bringingacaseofdollars。Theyweregloomyandlanguid，andtoldustheyhadnotseentheirRajahforfivedays。Noonehadseenhim！Wesettledallaccounts，andaftershakinghandsinturnandinprofoundsilence，theydescendedoneafteranotherintotheirboat，andwerepaddledtotheshore，sittingclosetogether，cladinvividcolours，withhangingheads：thegoldembroideriesoftheirjacketsflasheddazzlinglyastheywentawayglidingonthesmoothwater，andnotoneofthemlookedbackonce。Beforesunsetthegrowlingcloudscarriedwitharushtheridgeofhills，andcametumblingdowntheinnerslopes。Everythingdisappeared；blackwhirlingvapoursfilledthebay，andinthemidstofthemtheschoonerswunghereandthereintheshiftinggustsofwind。Asingleclapofthunderdetonatedinthehollowwithaviolencethatseemedcapableofburstingintosmallpiecestheringofhighland，andawarmdelugedescended。Thewinddiedout。Wepantedintheclosecabin；ourfacesstreamed；thebayoutsidehissedasifboiling；

thewaterfellinperpendicularshaftsasheavyaslead；itswishedaboutthedeck，pouredoffthespars，gurgled，sobbed，splashed，murmuredintheblindnight。Ourlampburnedlow。Hollis，strippedtothewaist，laystretchedoutonthelockers，withclosedeyesandmotionlesslikeadespoiledcorpse；athisheadJacksontwangedtheguitar，andgaspedoutinsighsamournfuldirgeabouthopelessloveandeyeslikestars。Thenweheardstartledvoicesondeckcryingintherain，hurriedfootstepsoverhead，andsuddenlyKarainappearedinthedoorwayofthecabin。Hisbarebreastandhisfaceglistenedinthelight；hissarong，soaked，clungabouthislegs；hehadhissheathedkrissinhislefthand；andwispsofwethair，escapingfromunderhisredkerchief，stuckoverhiseyesanddownhischeeks。Hesteppedinwithaheadlongstrideandlookingoverhisshoulderlikeamanpursued。Hollisturnedonhissidequicklyandopenedhiseyes。

Jacksonclappedhisbighandoverthestringsandthejinglingvibrationdiedsuddenly。Istoodup。

"Wedidnothearyourboat’shail！"Iexclaimed。

"Boat！Theman’sswumoff，"drawledoutHollisfromthelocker。"Lookathim！"

Hebreathedheavily，wild-eyed，whilewelookedathiminsilence。

Waterdrippedfromhim，madeadarkpool，andrancrookedlyacrossthecabinfloor。WecouldhearJackson，whohadgoneouttodriveawayourMalayseamenfromthedoorwayofthecompanion；hesworemenacinglyinthepatterofaheavyshower，andtherewasagreatcommotionondeck。

Thewatchmen，scaredoutoftheirwitsbytheglimpseofashadowyfigureleapingovertherail，straightoutofthenightasitwere，hadalarmedallhands。

ThenJackson，withglitteringdropsofwateronhishairandbeard，camebacklookingangry，andHollis，who，beingtheyoungestofus，assumedanindolentsuperiority，saidwithoutstirring，"Givehimadrysarong——givehimmine；it’shangingupinthebathroom。"Karainlaidthekrissonthetable，hiltinwards，andmurmuredafewwordsinastrangledvoice。

"What’sthat？"askedHollis，whohadnotheard。

"Heapologizesforcominginwithaweaponinhishand，"Isaid，dazedly。

"Ceremoniousbeggar。Tellhimweforgiveafriend……onsuchanight，"drawledoutHollis。"What’swrong？"

Karainslippedthedrysarongoverhishead，droppedthewetoneathisfeet，andsteppedoutofit。Ipointedtothewoodenarmchair——hisarmchair。Hesatdownverystraight，said"Ha！"inastrongvoice；ashortshivershookhisbroadframe。Helookedoverhisshoulderuneasily，turnedasiftospeaktous，butonlystaredinacuriousblindmanner，andagainlookedback。Jacksonbellowedout，"Watchwellondeckthere！"heardafaintanswerfromabove，andreachingoutwithhisfootslammed-tothecabindoor。

"Allrightnow，"hesaid。

Karain’slipsmovedslightly。Avividflashoflightningmadethetworoundsternportsfacinghimglimmerlikeapairofcruelandphosphorescenteyes。Theflameofthelampseemedtowitherintobrowndustforaninstant，andthelooking-glassoverthelittlesideboardleapedoutbehindhisbackinasmoothsheetoflividlight。Therollofthundercamenear，crashedoverus；theschoonertrembled，andthegreatvoicewenton，threateningterribly，intothedistance。Forlessthanaminuteafuriousshowerrattledonthedecks。Karainlookedslowlyfromfacetoface，andthenthesilencebecamesoprofoundthatweallcouldheardistinctlythetwochronometersinmycabintickingalongwithunflaggingspeedagainstoneanother。

Andwethree，strangelymoved，couldnottakeoureyesfromhim。Hehadbecomeenigmaticalandtouching，invirtueofthatmysteriouscausethathaddrivenhimthroughthenightandthroughthethunderstormtotheshelteroftheschooner’scuddy。Notoneofusdoubtedthatwewerelookingatafugitive，incredibleasitappearedtous。Hewashaggard，asthoughhehadnotsleptforweeks；hehadbecomelean，asthoughhehadnoteatenfordays。Hischeekswerehollow，hiseyessunk，themusclesofhischestandarmstwitchedslightlyasifafteranexhaustingcontest。Ofcourseithadbeenalongswimofftotheschooner；buthisfaceshowedanotherkindoffatigue，thetormentedweariness，theangerandthefearofastruggleagainstathought，anidea——againstsomethingthatcannotbegrappled，thatneverrests——ashadow，anothing，unconquerableandimmortal，thatpreysuponlife。Weknewitasthoughhehadshouteditatus。

Hischestexpandedtimeaftertime，asifitcouldnotcontainthebeatingofhisheart。Foramomenthehadthepowerofthepossessed——thepowertoawakeninthebeholderswonder，pain，pity，andafearfulnearsenseofthingsinvisible，ofthingsdarkandmute，thatsurroundthelonelinessofmankind。Hiseyesroamedaboutaimlesslyforamoment，thenbecamestill。Hesaidwitheffort——

"Icamehere……Ileapedoutofmystockadeasafteradefeat。I

raninthenight。Thewaterwasblack。Ilefthimcallingontheedgeofblackwater……Ilefthimstandingaloneonthebeach。I

swam……hecalledoutafterme……Iswam……"

Hetrembledfromheadtofoot，sittingveryuprightandgazingstraightbeforehim。Leftwhom？Whocalled？Wedidnotknow。Wecouldnotunderstand。Isaidatallhazards——

"Befirm。"

Thesoundofmyvoiceseemedtosteadyhimintoasuddenrigidity，butotherwisehetooknonotice。Heseemedtolisten，toexpectsomethingforamoment，thenwenton——

"Hecannotcomehere——thereforeIsoughtyou。Youmenwithwhitefaceswhodespisetheinvisiblevoices。Hecannotabideyourunbeliefandyourstrength。"

Hewassilentforawhile，thenexclaimedsoftly——

"Oh！thestrengthofunbelievers！"

"There’snooneherebutyou——andwethree，"saidHollis，quietly。Hereclinedwithhisheadsupportedonelbowanddidnotbudge。

"Iknow，"saidKarain。"Hehasneverfollowedmehere。Wasnotthewisemaneverbymyside？Butsincetheoldwiseman，whoknewofmytrouble，hasdied，Ihaveheardthevoiceeverynight。Ishutmyselfup——formanydays——inthedark。Icanhearthesorrowfulmurmursofwomen，thewhisperofthewind，oftherunningwaters；theclashofweaponsinthehandsoffaithfulmen，theirfootsteps——andhisvoice！……Near……So！Inmyear！Ifelthimnear……Hisbreathpassedovermyneck。Ileapedoutwithoutacry。Allaboutmemensleptquietly。Irantothesea。Heranbymysidewithoutfootsteps，whispering，whisperingoldwords——whisperingintomyearinhisoldvoice。Iranintothesea；Iswamofftoyou，withmykrissbetweenmyteeth。I，armed，Ifledbeforeabreath——toyou。Takemeawaytoyourland。Thewiseoldmanhasdied，andwithhimisgonethepowerofhiswordsandcharms。AndIcantellnoone。Noone。Thereisnooneherefaithfulenoughandwiseenoughtoknow。Itisonlynearyou，unbelievers，thatmytroublefadeslikeamistundertheeyeofday。"

Heturnedtome。

"WithyouIgo！"hecriedinacontainedvoice。"Withyou，whoknowsomanyofus。Iwanttoleavethisland——mypeople……andhim——there！"

Hepointedashakingfingeratrandomoverhisshoulder。Itwashardforustobeartheintensityofthatundiscloseddistress。Hollisstaredathimhard。Iaskedgently——

"Whereisthedanger？"

"Everywhereoutsidethisplace，"heanswered，mournfully。"IneveryplacewhereIam。Hewaitsformeonthepaths，underthetrees，intheplacewhereIsleep——everywherebuthere。"

Helookedroundthelittlecabin，atthepaintedbeams，atthetarnishedvarnishofbulkheads；helookedroundasifappealingtoallitsshabbystrangeness，tothedisorderlyjumbleofunfamiliarthingsthatbelongtoaninconceivablelifeofstress，ofpower，ofendeavour，ofunbelief——tothestronglifeofwhitemen，whichrollsonirresistibleandhardontheedgeofouterdarkness。Hestretchedouthisarmsasiftoembraceitandus。Wewaited。Thewindandrainhadceased，andthestillnessofthenightroundtheschoonerwasasdumbandcompleteasifadeadworldhadbeenlaidtorestinagraveofclouds。Weexpectedhimtospeak。Thenecessitywithinhimtoreathislips。Therearethosewhosaythatanativewillnotspeaktoawhiteman。Error。Nomanwillspeaktohismaster；buttoawandererandafriend，tohimwhodoesnotcometoteachortorule，tohimwhoasksfornothingandacceptsallthings，wordsarespokenbythecamp-fires，inthesharedsolitudeofthesea，inriversidevillages，inresting-placessurroundedbyforests——wordsarespokenthattakenoaccountofraceorcolour。Oneheartspeaks——anotheronelistens；

andtheearth，thesea，thesky，thepassingwindandthestirringleaf，hearalsothefutiletaleoftheburdenoflife。

Hespokeatlast。Itisimpossibletoconveytheeffectofhisstory。

Itisundying，itisbutamemory，anditsvividnesscannotbemadecleartoanothermind，anymorethanthevividemotionsofadream。

Onemusthaveseenhisinnatesplendour，onemusthaveknownhimbefore——lookedathimthen。Thewaveringgloomofthelittlecabin；

thebreathlessstillnessoutside，throughwhichonlythelappingofwateragainsttheschooner’ssidescouldbeheard；Hollis’spaleface，withsteadydarkeyes；theenergeticheadofJacksonheldupbetweentwobigpalms，andwiththelongyellowhairofhisbeardflowingoverthestringsoftheguitarlyingonthetable；Karain’suprightandmotionlesspose，histone——allthismadeanimpressionthatcannotbeforgotten。Hefacedusacrossthetable。Hisdarkheadandbronzetorsoappearedabovethetarnishedslabofwood，gleamingandstillasifcastinmetal。Onlyhislipsmoved，andhiseyesglowed，wentout，blazedagain，orstaredmournfully。Hisexpressionscamestraightfromhistormentedheart。Hiswordssoundedlow，inasadmurmurasofrunningwater；attimestheyrangloudliketheclashofawar-gong——ortrailedslowlylikewearytravellers——orrushedforwardwiththespeedoffear。

【推荐阅读】幽幽深宫，醒来一梦似千年，重生于下堂妃身躯中的她，将如何手刃仇人? 点击阅读