"Were you frightened, Nalte?" I asked.
"For you, yes. I didn't think that you had a chance against three of them. Even now I can't believe what I saw. It is incredible that one man could have done what you did."
"Luck had a lot to do with it," I replied, "and the fact that I took them by surprise. They weren't expecting anything of the sort."
"How strangely things happen," mused Nalte. "A moment ago I was about to drown myself in sheer desperation, and now everything is changed. The danger is over, and instead of an inadequate raft we have a comfortable boat."
"Which proves that one should never give up hope."
"I shan't again—while you are with me."
I had been keeping an eye on the Kormor quay rather expecting to see another boat put out in pursuit of us, but none did.
The fishermen and the sentries on the waterfront of the other city had all stopped what they were doing and were watching us.
"Shall we row over there and see if they will take us in?" I asked.
"I am afraid," replied Nalte. "We have a saying in Andoo that the farther strangers are away the better friends they are."