"And now I suppose peacereigns under your benevolent council."
"Not always." Shesmiled cheerfully. "But since it takes us nine months to bring a childinto the world, we think much more carefully about starting a war that willcrush out their lives."
"I'm sure your men havean equal concern for their children," Li Sung said stiffly.
"Then why do theywar?" She held up her hand as he started to speak. "We have no realquarrel. I can see you are different." She added, "In someways."
Jane could see Dilam's wordswere only exacerbating Li Sung's irritation and interceded hurriedly."Will you show me to my tent, Dilam? Perhaps we could discuss—"
Dilam was shaking her head."Samir Ruel will show you where you sleep." She smiled and pointedher index finger at Li Sung. "I take you."
"That is notnecessary," Li Sung said coldly.
"It is a pleasure, not anecessity. You are angry with me and I must make things right. I think weneslingbefore supper."
Jane heard a sound that washalf gasp, half snort from Ruel.
"Nesling?"Li Sung frowned as he cast an inquiringglance at Ruel.
"Copulation," Ruelmurmured.
"That's another thing menare good at," Dilam said with another beaming smile."Nesling."
"How kind that youapprove our carnal capability." Li Sung looked at her in outrage. "Ithink not."
"Oh," she said,disappointed. "I do not please you?"
"You do not pleaseme."
"You please me very much.I find you… " She made a face as she read his forbidding expression."Oh, well, perhaps you will like me better later."
"I doubt it."
"You will not change yourmind?" she asked wistfully. "I am truly exceptional atnesling."
"I will not change mymind." Li Sung turned to Ruel. "Where is my tent?"
"I'll show you."Ruel was trying to keep from smiling as he told Dilam, "I'm afraid you'llhave to be satisfied with the discussion Jane suggested. Bring her to thecandmarin an hour."
Dilam watched them as theywalked away. "It is not a good beginning." Then she noticed somethingelse. "He limps."
"His leg was crushed whenhe was a child. It doesn't hinder him. You'll find he works harder than anyoneon the crew."
"I know this." Sheshook her head gloomily. "But the limp explains much. I could have wishedfor an easier task."
"What do you mean?"
Dilam didn't answer, her gazestill on Li Sung's retreating figure.
"What is acandmar?"Jane asked.
"What?" Dilam'sglance shifted back to Jane. "Oh,candmarmeans eating place. Weall eat together at one campfire in the center of the encampment." Sheturned and started in the opposite direction. "Come, I will show you whereyou sleep and then we will come back here. We have time for more dice beforesupper."
Jane shook her head. "Ineed to study the map and find what problems there might be on the—"
"We will go playdice," Dilam said adamantly. "Gambling gives zest when one is tiredand downhearted. Your head will be clearer when your heart is morecontent." She studied Jane. "You must learn to enjoy life. You aretoo solemn."
"I have to build arailroad in seven months. That's a solemn matter."
