Page 223

The driver and the shotgun man were leading Prank- ster and Davenport toward the trees, when Prankster caught sight of the people gathered in a group. He did not know why there had been no activity on their dirt street, but now accepted the idea that he was going to face the people of this place as a whole. Their bodies seemed to be silently seated as a cir- cle in what now appeared their private medow amidst the trees; but the calmness was as much a part of the remaining distance between the group and the app- roaching men, as is the trick that can be played on the mind while watching a motion picture in which there is no movement noticed until it is picked up through sound, which in turn makes sound a deciver, in that it comes from a second intensity. Surely, thought Prankster, these people are not of a still life, nor are they peaceful. There must be something unrecognizable going on between them; for I can feel a murmur that is making as much of a definate vibrat- ion as a shout. Prankster trimmed himself up fast moving closer with the men, Suddenly now, while a women's laughter shrilled wildly. But a gentle wind disturbed the harsh trees; and along the