When the Lion Feeds by Wilbur Smith, Tim Pigott-Smith Page A

other, still chin deep, and Sean was getting angry. He wanted to hold her. She saw the change of his mood and she waded to the bank, walked to his clothes and picked up his shirt. She dried her face on it, standing naked and unashamed, she had too many brothers for modesty. Sean watched the way her breasts changed shape as she lifted her arms, he looked at the lines of her body and saw that her once skinny legs had filled out; her thighs touched each other all the way UP to the base of her belly and there she wore the dark triangular badge of womanhood. She spread the shirt out on the sand and sat down upon it, then she looked at him. Are you coming out? He came out awkwardly, coverig himself with his hands. Anna moved over on the shirt. You can sit down, if you like He sat hurriedly and drew his knees up under his chin.
    He watched her from the corner of his eye. There were little goose-pimples round her nipples from the cold water. She was aware that he was watching her and she pulled back her shoulders, enjoying it. Sean felt bewildered again, she was so clearly in control now.
    Before she had been someone to growl at but now she was giving the orders and he was obeying. You've got hairs on your chest, Anna said, turning to look at him. Sparse and silky though they were, Sean was glad that he had them. He straightened out his legs.
    And you're much bigger there than Frikkie. Sean tried to Pull up his knees again but she put her hand on his leg and stopped him. Can I touch you? Sean tried to speak but his throat had closed and no sound came through it. Anne did not wait for an answer.
    oh, look! It's getting all cheeky, just like Caribou's. Caribou was Mr van Essen's stallion.
    I always know when Pa is going to let Caribou service a mare, he tells me to go and visit Aunt Lettie. I just hide in the plantation. You can see the paddock jolly well from the plantation. Anna's hand was soft and restless, Sean could think of nothing else. Do you know that people service, just like horses do? she asked.
    Sean nodded, he had attended the biology classes conducted by Messrs daffel and Company in the school latrines. They were quiet for a while, then Anna whispered. Sean, would you service me? I don't know how, croaked Sean.
    I bet horses don't either the first time, nor people for that matter, Anna said. We could find out.
    They rode home in the early evening, Anna sitting up behind Sean, her arms tight round his waist and the side of her face pressed between his shoulders. He dropped her at the back of the plantation.
    I'll see you at school on Monday, she said and turned to go.
    Yes. is it still sore? No, and then, after a moment's thought, it feels nice She turned and ran into the wattle trees.
    Sean rode slowly home. He was empty inside; it was a sad feeling and it puzzled him.
    rWhere are the fish? asked Ada. They weren't biting. Not even one?
    Sean shook his head and crossed the kitchen. sean!
    Yes, Ma. Is something wrong? No,- quick denial -'No, I'm fine. He slipped into the passage.
    Garrick was sitting up in bed. The skin around his nostrils was inflamed and chapped; he lowered the book he was reading and smiled at sean as he came into the room. Sean went to his own bed and sat on it.
    Where have you been? Garrick's voice was thick with cold. Up at the pools above the falls. fishing? Sean didn't answer, he leaned forward on the bed with his elbows on his knees. I met Anna, she came with me.
    Garrick's interest -quickened at the mention of her name and he watched sean's face. Sean still had that slightly puzzled expression.
    Garry, he hesitated; he had to talk about it. Garry, I screwed Anna garrick drew in his breath with a small hiss. He went very pale, only his nose was still red and sore-looking.
    I mean, Sean spoke slowly as though he were trying to explain it to himself, I mean really screwed her, just like we've talked about. just like. . . . He made a helpless gesture with his hands, unable to find the words. Then he