The Holy Island was threatened with destruction by an evil being, who would one day appear on its shores. To avert the fatality the place had been sanctified and set apart, under the protection of the gods and their priest. Here was the reason for the taboo, and for the extraordinary rigor with which it was enforced. Listening to her with the deepest interest, the Captain took her hand and pressed it gently.
"Do I feel like a demon?" he whispered.
Her slim brown fingers closed frankly on his hand. "You feel soft and friendly," she said with the fearless candor of a child.
"Squeeze me again. I like it!"