She was too hungry to be
particular, and ate heartily of all that was offered, whether cooked
or uncooked. The twelve almost forgot their own hunger in their
interest in the stranger.
It was now pretty dark in the big room. The white-bearded man said
something to the young fellow at the foot of the table, whereupon
the chap got up and stepped to the nearest wall, where he pressed
something with the tip of his finger. Instantly the room was flooded
with white light--from two incandescent bulbs!
Rolla leaped to her feet in amazement, bunking painfully in the
unaccustomed glare.
"What is this?" she demanded, all the more furiously to hide her
fear. "Ye would not trick me with magic; ye, who call yourselves
friends!"
Somat interpreted this to the others. Some laughed; others looked
pityingly at her. Somat explained:
"It is nothing, stranger. Be not afraid. We forgot that ye might
know nothing of this 'magic.'" He considered deeply, apparently
trying to put himself in her place.
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