Brother Men.

           WhenD’Arnotregainedconsciousness,hefoundhimselflyinguponabedofsoftfernsandgrassesbeneathalittle"A"shapedshelterofboughs.

           Athisfeetanopeninglookedoutuponagreensward,andatalittledistancebeyondwasthedensewallofjungleandforest.

           Hewasverylameandsoreandweak,andasfullconsciousnessreturnedhefeltthesharptortureofmanycruelwoundsandthedullachingofeveryboneandmuscleinhisbodyasaresultofthehideousbeatinghehadreceived.

           Eventheturningofhisheadcausedhimsuchexcruciatingagonythathelaystillwithclosedeyesforalongtime.

           Hetriedtopieceoutthedetailsofhisadventurepriortothetimehelostconsciousnesstoseeiftheywouldexplainhispresentwhereabouts—hewonderedifhewereamongfriendsorfoes.

           Atlengthherecollectedthewholehideoussceneatthestake,andfinallyrecalledthestrangewhitefigureinwhosearmshehadsunkintooblivion.

           D’Arnotwonderedwhatfatelayinstoreforhimnow.Hecouldneitherseenorhearanysignsoflifeabouthim.

           Theincessanthumofthejungle—therustlingofmillionsofleaves—thebuzzofinsects—thevoicesofthebirdsandmonkeysseemedblendedintoastrangelysoothingpurr,asthoughhelayapart,farfromthemyriadlifewhosesoundscametohimonlyasablurredecho.