IN THE SHADOW
where their regard is earned, but there are few classes of savages who are not hospitable until this curiosity is satisfied. Such hospitality is no more than a barter of food and shelter for diversion.
Virginia, glancing quickly about, saw that they were surrounded. Savage, scowling, each looking to the other for his cue, the four men crouched, rifles ready, their small, cruel eyes glinting beneath their long, unkempt hair. Undecided whether to kill or capture, to advance or retreat, they were like four snarling curs about a great black boar.
Dessalines crouched whimpering at the feet of Virginia; he plucked at her skirt, his gaunt face twitching with terror. It was this frightened, childish act, this plucking at her skirt, which awakened in her the old feudal spirit transmitted through generations of lordly ancestors. She stood upon her own broad domain which had never belonged to any other than a Moultrie; at her feet crouched one seeking sanctuary; an outcast, a fugitive. A wave of sovereign authority swept through her, thrilling each nerve; exhilarating in its righteous strength. It drew her regal figure to its full height, lit fires in her golden-hued eyes, infused her voice with an imperative ring. All fear left her.
"You cannot have this man," she said to the one nearest her. "He has done no harm; he has come to me for protection and he shall have it. You may as well go." She laid her hand upon the great shoulder.
The four gaped. Theirs was the silence of utter incomprehension. Virginia felt her anger mounting. These men were obviously low in the human scale; they were peasants; their sullen silence angered her.
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