Ruby Carter was hiding nearby, too terrified to speak a word.
After removing the silver needles, Ella Lacey wrapped them in a withered leaf and threw them into the downstream.
Not until they vanished out of sight did she turn her back, pluck a leaf as big as a banana leaf from an ancient tree beside her.
Then, she walked upstream, placed the leaf into the stream, and scooped up a handful of clear water.
She held the leaf carefully and walked to the tent, where Arthur Lindsey was arranging things inside.
"Mr. Lindsey, you've been busy for a while, come out and wipe your sweat," Ella said as she poked her head inside.
Seeing the rolling water on the leaf in her arms, Arthur Lindsey was surprised, "Didn't you take a basin with you?"
"A beast chewed up the basin," Ella Lacey said jokingly, in a pretty good mood.
"Hm?" Arthur Lindsey knew she was fibbing, her hair and clothes were still wet, was something up?
