Fear was everywhere. Above him... around him... inside him. He smelled his sweat, and the dirtiness of his skin. The sand was hot, the air stood still. Everything seemed to be covered with a veil of silk. Ralph closed his eyes. The voices came nearer and nearer, as he heard their singing, "Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!" Ralph shivered as if he had been touched by a cold hand, a dead …showed first 75 words of 647 total…

…showed last 75 words of 647 total…Jack. The vision of rage and hate faded... and was replaced by a smile... a smile of understanding. "No," he said. "I won't kill you. I'm not like you." Ralph turned around. The boys immediately opened the circle for him to exit, and Ralph stepped out. He walked away with a smile on his face, knowing he did the right thing. Jack rose to his feet, took the dropped weapon, and threw it at Ralph.