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Show Page 97 bow and arrow and dressing as a native." "Anyone who has seen his quarry stroll away while fitting the fuse of an unwieldy musket should realize the superiority of a bow!" John said, his voice heated and his color rising. Hearing the defensiveness of his tone and remembering the way he looked when I met him in' the forest, I realized Cisly had been speaking of John. "No need to get into a froth," said Cisly, waving his arms in the air. "It may be, you will be proved right in the end." "Indeed I shall," John replied. "Fear and distrust of the natives comes from not knowing them, from not making an attempt to understand and respect their ways, their thoughts. I have always held that dislike comes from not knowing any person, white or red. Would you not agree, Mistress Douglas?" His voice held a challenge. I drew up my head and managed to meet his gaze though my heart was thudding within my breast. I knew what I said next would decide if we were to become friends or remain uneasy acquaintances. "Aye," I agreed at last, my tone light. "I think once you come to know me, you will realize just what a glorious person I really am." It was silent for the span of a heartbeat. Then Cisly guffawed. Anne giggled. |