210 THE BIG CANOE

Teka, watching closely, sang on; sang of Thaim-
shim the Wonder-worker; sang of the pipe Thaimshim
had cast away upon the mountain. After a moment,
Shim’s knife dropped from his hand and he turned
toward Teka, his face up-raised, listening. He did not
move as the slave boy climbed slowly over the top of
the parapet and walked toward him, still singing.
He did not even notice when Teka, with a swift kick,
sent the knife flying out over the edge of the rock into
the water. When the song was finished and Teka spoke
to him, the Foolish One began to sob like a small
child in deep trouble.

Then Teka spoke to Kilko, softly, without turning
his head.

“Are you hurt, Kilko? Can you walk?”

“T am stiff with cold, but I am not hurt,” Kilko
groaned. “I think I can walk. Please let me go, Teka.
Don’t let Shim touch me. I will never bother either of
you again, if you will only let me go!”

“IT came to help you, Kilko,” said Teka. ““Why else
do you think I sang to quiet Shim? But you must
promise never to tell your father, the chief, what Shim
has done to you. If you do, I will tell of the many
things you have done to torture the old man. Do you
promise?”

“TI promise,” Kilko cried earnestly. Then Teka un-
tied the thongs that bound him and helped him down
from the pile of rocks. Still Shim paid no attention,
but sat upon the ground, sobbing.