Pagina 288 van 439

Once Jed chanced upon Steve stripped for a bath beside the creek,

and he understood the physical reason for his perfect poise. The

wiry, sinuous muscles, packed compactly without obtrusion, played

beneath the skin like those of a panther. He walked as softly and

as easily as one, with something of the rippling, unconscious

grace of that jungle lord. It was this certainty of himself that

vivified the steel-gray eyes which looked forth unafraid, and yet

amiably, upon a world primitive enough to demand proof of every

man who would hold the respect of his fellows.

Meanwhile, Briscoe waited for Struve and his enemy to become

entangled in the net he was spinning. He made no pretense of

fellowship with Fraser; nor, on the other hand, did he actively

set himself against him with the men. He was ready enough to

sneer when Dick France grew enthusiastic about his new friend,

but this was to be expected from one of his jaundiced temper.