"You will find me, whatever happens," Hanno declared after his father had ceased speaking. Old Tabus exchanged a swift glance with her son, and Satabus said: "He is his own master. If I am obliged to go—which may happen—then, my girl, you must be content with the youth. Besides, you are better suited to him than to the graybeard."
He shook hands with Ledscha as he spoke, and Hanno accompanied her to her boat.
At first he was silent, but as she was stepping into the skiff he repeated his promise of meeting her here the following night.
"Very well," she answered quickly. "Perhaps I may have a commission to give you."
"I will fulfil it," he answered firmly.
"To-morrow, then," she called, "unless something unexpected prevents."
But when seated on the thwart she again turned to him, and asked: "Does it need a long time to bring your ship, with brave men on board, to this place?"
"We can be here in four hours, and with favourable winds still sooner," was the reply.
"Even if it displeases your father?"
"Even then, and though the gods, many as there are, should forbid—if only your gratitude will be gained."