Whatever chance I had was at once gone. Togaro appeared! In a size normal to Dianne and me, he came sauntering up to her fire and greeted her. He was broadly smiling, evidently in a high good humor. He wore a vivid outer jacket; his whole aspect--the colored sash about his hips, his tasseled leggings--was that of a cavalier in jaunty, debonair mood. I saw that he had discarded his belt of drugs. He took off his circular hat and cast it to the ground. The meal was ready. Togaro evidently dismissed the women; they moved back, out of my line of vision behind the tent. I heard his voice saying in English: "You will serve us, little Dianne. Why not? A supper here together, before we start the upward trip." I could not hear what she said, but he answered: "Yes, tonight. When we have eaten, Dianne. I have everything organized--I am not needed here. You and I and your serving maids will start. The next camp will be ready ahead of us--it will not be too long a journey." He laughed. "I would not tire my little Dianne. I am good to you; can you say it that I am not?" I stood tense. To follow them upward would be difficult. It was now or never. Dianne moved about, serving the meal. They sat down facing each other beside the fire and began to eat. Dianne was as yet wholly unaware of my presence. I edged a little closer, slipped from one tree to another until I was behind Togaro, with Dianne facing me. I stood now in the darkness beside the bole of a tree, just beyond the circle of fire light. I was hardly twenty feet from them. I could hear their voices. My foot touched a loose rock. I stooped and picked it up--a chunk larger than my fist. I thought that there might be no one watching the scene. I wanted to creep forward, cross the lighted area, and strike Togaro before he could make an outcry. But Dianne must be made aware of me first, to be on her guard and ready for my rush. I took a step forward. She would see me now, I hoped--see me as a vague, shadowy form in the gloom. I took off my hat, and got the diminishing drug quickly available. I stood tense, gripping the chunk of rock, a finger of my other hand to my lips warning her to silence. If she would see me, she must have the presence of mind not to start, or make any sign that would warn Togaro. I thought I saw her stiffen. She stared my way. "Togaro--" It made my heart leap wildly. Was she about to call his attention to my lurking figure? Did she see me, but not recognize me? She stammered, "Togaro--you know I hate you. But hate and love are very close. I--was wondering why you put on that sash. It's very becoming." She had recognized me! I could not miss it--I even fancied she had sent me a warning glance. But she looked instantly away, smiling now with a mocking allure upon Togaro. She leaned toward him. She repeated, "I hate you, Togaro," exactly as before, yet with a great difference.