"Fortunately, he escaped without a scratch."
"Well, go join him, and take a little repose; to-morrow, at noon, we will start."
Next day Nagato went to take leave of the Kisaki. She had returned to the summer-palace, where he found her surrounded by her women.
"You leave the city which owes its triumph to you so soon, and without taking time for rest?" she exclaimed.
"I leave with an aching heart," said the Prince; "but an imperative duty calls me. Before the peace is signed, I must avenge the insult to my name; I must save Fatkoura, my betrothed."
"Is Fatkoura in danger?"
"She is the prisoner of the Prince of Tosa; a messenger brought me the news yesterday."
"Such reasons admit of no reply," said the Queen. "Make haste to punish that villain; and may the God of Battles be with you."
Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke: he was about to run new dangers; to expose his life,—perhaps to die.
"I believe that I am invincible," said Nagato; "an all-powerful goddess protects me."