But Duane stopped him. "No, Chuck!" he ordered.
Chuck swiveled, his eyebrows twin parentheses of astonishment. "What! You mean to say that even now, after what he's done, you ain't going to—"
"I am going to," pledged Steve tautly, "but I myself; no one for me. Von Rath is mine. I shall take care of him personally—when I have time to do so. But now—" He swung to the warrior captain—"Jain, your forage sack, quickly! There is not a moment to waste."
The Mother Maatha asked anxiously, "What are you going to do, O Dwain?"
"I'm going after Rodrik. He has no more than a couple of hours start, and Sinnaty is a long way from here. If I'm lucky, I may be able to head him off before he can reach the Daans and spill the beans."
The Priestess Beth stepped forward, eyes lighting.
"So be it, O my mate! With the speed of the woodland hart we shall pursue him."
"Not we, Beth," corrected Duane. "You're not going. This is my job; one I must do alone. You are needed here. Stay with Chuck and help him consolidate this position, that we may use Loovil as a rallying place for our ever-growing forces."
"But," cried Beth, "it is not fitting that a Woman should desert her mate in hour of peril. The way is long, and the forest dark and treacherous—"
"One," interrupted Stephen Duane, "can travel faster than two. And now every moment is precious."