He looked at me closely, with a sober gentleness that became him well,
and that he did not often use. "Why should I go quietly?" he asked.
"My errand is righteous. It is only black work that needs the cover of
a silent tongue. My son, you are letting your men abduct Singing
Arrow. Did your promise to me count for so little in your mind?"

I bowed, and mumbled something meaningless to gain time. I was not
clear as to my course. "Why do you think that we have Singing Arrow?"
I blurted out finally.

"Pemaou told me."

Pemaou again! But we had tricked him. I grinned with joy to think of
him with his nose still rooted close to the deserted hole. I could
almost forgive him for the trouble he was causing now.

"Pemaou lied," I said cheerfully. "Singing Arrow is not with us,
Father Carheil. Will you go back now? My mission is urgent and
demands secrecy."

He looked at the ground. "You swear to this? You swear that Singing
Arrow is not with you?"

I laid my hand on my sword, and bared my head. "I swear."

He turned away. "You seem a gentleman," he said reluctantly. "I
regret that I troubled you. I wish you fair winds, monsieur."

Beshrew me, but the man could get close to my heart. "Thank you,