CHAPTER XVII
The Col of the Swallows
He pointed to the slip on the table.
“You have seen the orders?”
I nodded.
“The long day’s work is over. You must rejoice, for your part has been the hardest, I think. Some day you will tell me about it?”
The man’s face was honest and kindly, rather like that of the engineer Gaudian, whom two years before I had met in Germany. But his eyes fascinated me, for they were the eyes of the dreamer and fanatic, who would not desist from his quest while life lasted. I thought that Ivery had chosen well in his colleague.
“My task is not done yet,” I said. “I came here to see Chelius.”
“He will be back tomorrow evening.”
“Too late. I must see him at once. He has gone to Italy, and I must overtake him.”
“You know your duty best,” he said gravely.