Ta-den, who had been hunting for some of the smaller mammals, the
meat of which is especially relished by the Ho-don, forgot his
intended sport in the greater interest of his new discovery. He
would take the stranger to Om-at and possibly together the two would
find some way of discovering the true intentions of the newcomer.
And so again through signs he apprised the other that he would
accompany him and together they descended toward the cliffs of
Om-at's people.
As they approached these they came upon the women and children
working under guard of the old men and the youths--gathering the
wild fruits and herbs which constitute a part of their diet, as well
as tending the small acres of growing crops which they cultivate. The
fields lay in small level patches that had been cleared of trees
and brush. Their farm implements consisted of metal-shod poles
which bore a closer resemblance to spears than to tools of peaceful
agriculture. Supplementing these were others with flattened blades
that were neither hoes nor spades, but instead possessed the
appearance of an unhappy attempt to combine the two implements in
one.
At first sight of these people the stranger halted and unslung his
bow for these creatures were black as night, their bodies entirely
covered with hair. But Ta-den, interpreting the doubt in the other's
mind, reassured him with a gesture and a smile.
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