In spite of Kai Lung's consistent denials of any treachery, he could
not but be aware that the incident tended greatly to his disadvantage
in the eyes of those whom he had fixed a desire to conciliate, nor did
his well-intentioned offer that he would without hesitation repeat the
display for a like number of hours effect his amiable purpose. How the
complication would finally have been determined without interruption
is a matter merely of imagination, for at that moment an outpost, who
had been engaged in guarding the secrecy of the expedition, threw
himself into the enclosure in a torn and breathless condition, having
run through the forest many li in a winding direction for the explicit
purpose of warning Lin Yi that his intentions had become known, and
that he and his followers would undoubtedly be surprised and overcome
if they left the camp.
At this intimation of the eminent service which Kai Lung had rendered
them, the nature of their faces towards him at once changed
completely, those who only a moment before had been demanding his
death particularly hailing him as their inspired and unobtrusive
protector, and in all probability, indeed, a virtuous and benignant
spirit in disguise.
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