The pit was nearly finished. Govinda had thought he was as good as dead, but at the last moment, the situation took another turn.
Those Velanders had called them to the harbor, saying they were going to hold some kind of fair trial. His ashen face immediately regained a healthy flush.
Mouse God above!
And the Silver Moon Goddess, the Spirit of the Sea of Sand, and the Great Horned Deer God!
At last, his incorruptible judge had arrived!
"I never killed any Velanders!"
He smugly showed off to the people beside him, looking as though he had once again placed the right bet at fate's gambling table.
In stark contrast to kindhearted him, some of the men digging pits still looked utterly lifeless. As though the news of the pardon had nothing to do with them, they continued halfheartedly shoveling red earth.
Those men had all worn strips of cloth around their arms. They must have owed plenty of blood debts from that night.
Govinda secretly rejoiced, then looked down on those thugs for being so brainless, unlike himself, who was cunning and clever.
He returned his shovel to the cart and hurried away from this troublesome place with the surging crowd. As for those deaf fools who had not heard the order, after being taught a lesson with rifle butts, they too joined the line.
On the way to the square, he strode with his head held high. Only when passing Velander soldiers did he shrink back a little, trying not to stand out too much.
The Velanders could not even be bothered to glance at him. They merely held their guns and watched the crowd.
When they finally reached the square, Govinda saw the man smoking a cigar and became wildly excited.
McClen wasted no words, simply