"I threw them over. You will find them there."
"Wait." He ran and brought them back. "Arms," he said, shaking them exultingly before her. "With these we can defy everything."
Indeed, the boat-hook and the sheath knife would be invaluable should it come to a fight in the end.
"Yes," said Truda. "In all the days of my life there has been no anger, no bloodshed on this island; but since you came--"
"Glad. You have taught me life, love. They are worth the price we have paid."
"Always a price has to be paid for these things. Whether they are worth it or not is another matter."
The sun was well above the horizon now. Truda glanced upward, stopped, and pointed. In the ravine whence the brook fell, clustered against the wall, stood the islanders. Their cries came faintly into the vast gulf in which the two lovers stood. Their gestures of hatred and scorn were unmistakable, but they made no effort to come down. The rope was still fast. Presently, they observed it, for it was quickly drawn up, and, after a time, the islanders went away, leaving a watcher at the wall.
"This place is like the temple," said Truda; "it is taboo. I think none will come here."
"I would go anywhere for you," said the girl, simply.
There was nothing they could do to better their condition, but if there had been, it was not in Beekman’s mind to attempt it then. Their near touch with death, Truda’s sleepless night, the condition of her hands and feet, the nervous reaction in him, warned Beekman that no demands upon her must be made yet. He decided that they should have one day of complete and utter happiness, whatever the future held for them; so he devoted himself to her.
Again and again he bathed her hands. He tore up the tattered remains of his shirt sleeves to make bandages for her feet. He compassed her with such sweet observances as he could achieve under such conditions. He told her how he loved her. He pictured what their life beyond the seas would be when they got away. He told her that they should escape, although he had no idea how. His determination was contagious. She thought nothing could he impossible, ultimately, to this god-like creature who had come from across the seas to enlighten her as to what love really was, and she believed him.