"Where is Labbot?" asked she, intent upon the one subject uppermost in her mind.
"In the mountains many leagues north of this pass. Had you taken that route instead of this, you would by this time have left Labbot for the town of Erros, a half-day's journey from Ganlook. Instead of vagabonds, your escort would have been made up of loyal soldiers, well-fed, well-clad, and well satisfied with themselves, at least."
"But no braver, no truer than my soldiers of fortune," she said earnestly. "By the way, are you informed as to the state of affairs in Dawsbergen?"
"Scarcely as well as your highness must be," he replied.
"The young prince—what's his name?" she paused, looking to him for the name.
"Dantan?"
"Yes, that's it. What has become of him? I am terribly interested in him."
"He is a fugitive, they say."
"They haven't captured him, then? Good! I am so glad."
Baldos exhibited little or no interest in the fresh topic.