The tribe were assembled at the camp fire, engaged in one of their many
rites to propitiate the evil spirits whom alone they worship. Beyond
the glow, darkness complete and compelling hung like a pall. The stars
were hid by a curtain of clouds.

"Come," I whispered to Moira, and reckless of consequences, we fled
into the pitch black of the scrub.



CHAPTER III

THE ONLY WHITE MAN IN NEW HOLLAND


After leaving the blacks' camp I made my way through the forest, guided
by Moira, who could see in the dark. I was fearful lest we might be
pursued, in which case I resolved I would not be taken alive. Moira,
however, did not believe that we would be followed. Her people, she
told me, were afraid to enter the forest at night, when evil spirits
were supposed to be abroad, and indeed her own terror was so great that
I realized her devotion to me in having braved, for my sake, the
superstition in which she had been reared.

Moira was right in thinking we would not be followed, for no attempt
was made to follow us. But now a fresh anxiety arose. There were shapes
among the trees which were visible to Moira, though I could not see
them, which caused her such terror that I was obliged almost to carry
her, and I sometimes thought by the chill of her body that she had died