By the fire they wheeled again, and Babalatchi caught a few words.

Willems was saying-- "I have been at sea with him many years when young.

I have used my knowledge to observe the way into the river when coming in, this time." Abdulla assented in general terms.
"In the variety of knowledge there is safety," he said; and then they passed out of earshot.
Babalatchi ran to the tree and took up his position in the solid blackness under its branches, leaning against the trunk.

There he was about midway between the fire and the other limit of the two men's walk.
They passed him close.

Abdulla slim, very straight, his head high, and his hands hanging before him and twisting mechanically the string of beads; Willems tall, broad, looking bigger and stronger in contrast to the slight white figure by the side of which he strolled carelessly, taking one step to the other's two; his big arms in constant motion as he gesticulated vehemently, bending forward to look Abdulla in the face.
They passed and repassed close to Babalatchi some half a dozen times, and, whenever they were between him and the fire, he could see them plain enough.