SOOSIE 157 



They ate of the fruits of the earth. The fern-embowered 

 stream gave them to drink. No sign of the white man, 

 with his interfering and desolating ways, assailed the 

 sight. It was as if the mist of centuries had lifted, 

 and for once time-soiled mortals were permitted to 

 gaze on a Garden of Eden free from danger and innocent 

 of sin. There was none here to make the quiet folk 

 afraid or discontented. 



As I stepped out, the scene changed with pantomimic 

 celerity. We were in the midst of a community of 

 excitable and resentful people, who, viewing us, if not 

 with active hostility, at least with surprise and anger, 

 seemed embarrassed by guilty knowledge. None of 

 the customary greetings welcomed us. None offered 

 other than scowls. 



"Where Soosie?" I demanded in authoritative tones 

 of a boy accustomed to treat my slightest word with 

 respect. 



With averted face he sullenly said: "That fella 

 Tchoosie he run away. He go 1-o-n-g way, alonga 

 mountain !" 



"Look here ! You no humbug. Where Soosie sit 

 down ? Plenty row along white man suppose Soosie 

 no come back. That fella Soosie belonga Missis. 

 Missis very sorry. She bin make'm Soosie all asame 

 white Mary." 



Still the face-averting boy reiterated: "That fella 

 Soosie he bin go long way more far. You fella make'm 

 Soosie no good." 



Others gathered round. Several carried weapons 

 nulla-nullas and wooden swords and assumed hostile 

 attitudes. 



Dan became uncontrollably excited, storming for 

 the production of Soosie, and being met with incon- 

 clusive statements and evasions. Being one who knew 



