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"But let our servants come with us, both those here and those without, save the woman only, who stays to make ready for our return." Juanna spoke thus because Soa had announced her wish to be left behind when they went to the temple. Juanna had consulted Leonard on the subject, who gave it as his opinion that Soa had good reasons of her own for making this request.
Casting aside the rags of the Portuguese uniform in which he had disguised himself, Leonard put on some of these articles and reappeared in the camp dressed like an ordinary English colonist, roughly indeed, but becomingly. Meanwhile Juanna had also been making her toilet, with the help of Soa, who took this opportunity to tell her mistress the history of her meeting with Leonard Outram.
Then followed a scene of confusion, for even Olfan and Nam were amazed at what seemed to them little short of a miracle, while Leonard and Juanna had eyes for each other only, and the three captains stared at Otter like men who think they see a ghost. But one person in that company kept her head, and that person was Soa.
"I am named Soa, and I seek succour for one whom I love and who is in sore distress. Will my lord listen to my tale?" "Speak on," said Leonard. Then the woman crouched down before him and told this story. "My lord, I, Soa, am the servant of a white man, a trader who lives on the banks of the Zambesi some four days' march from hence, having a house there which he built many years ago."
"Show me the secret sign, and whisper the hidden word into my ear." Then, glancing suspiciously behind her, Soa came to him, and made some movements with her hands in the shadow of the table. Next bending forward, she whispered awhile into his ear. When she had finished, her father looked up, and there were tears in his aged eyes. "Welcome, daughter," he said.
"Say, Soa," asked Juanna, "to succeed in the search for these stones is it necessary that I should act a part among your people?" "I can see no other way," she answered. "But what of that? You are free, and what I promised on your behalf is nothing. Let the White Man go without his reward, it will save him a long journey."
With great simplicity and gentleness Soa said: "Yes, my uncle, I am a Christian; and if you please you may put me to death, for I do pray to Jesus." Utterly confounded by this straightforward and fearless reply, Rainiharo stood for some moments gazing in silent wonder at the youth who thus calmly stood prepared to abide the consequences of his confession.
An at lasst when Jenny an I opened t' door again juist a cranny like theer he was, takin hissel off his fadther screamin afther him an he wi his Papish coat, an his head hangin as thoo there wor a load o' peaet on it an his hands crossed soa pious! Aye, theer he goes! an he may goa!" cried Polly, her face flaming as it followed the Jesuit out of sight.
Juanna blushed a little at the evident admiration in his eyes; then, turning to the dwarf, she said: "Now, Otter, you must make ready too. And remember what Soa told you. Whatever you see or hear, you are not to open your mouth. Walk side by side with me and do as I do, that is all." Otter grunted in assent, and proceeded to "make ready."
"One thing is clear enough, we must not allow her to overhear any more of our plans; she knows a great deal too much already." "I cannot understand what has happened to Soa," said Juanna; "she seems so changed." "You made that remark before, Juanna; but for my part I don't think she is changed. The sight of her amiable parent has developed her hidden virtues, that is all."
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