"And that is not to be wondered at," was the answer; "but there will be time to explain presently. Enough that we can shake hands over a past quarrel for which I have paid the penalty, and know that we stand together now."
Ellerey took his outstretched hand without a word.
"The Princess is with you?" Petrescu asked.
"She was until this morning."
"Killed!" cried the Baron.
"No; and yet I do not know that worse has not happened to her."
"While you explain, Captain, have I your leave to go down and make the acquaintance of our new comrades?" said Stefan. "My stomach yearns toward them, and their victuals and drink."
"I had forgotten," said the Baron hastily. "You can explain while we eat and drink, Captain."
"A few moments will make no difference, Baron," said Ellerey, nodding a consent to Stefan, who went down into the pass quickly. Then he went on: "Do you know the Princess's plans, Baron?"
"I thought I did, but her sudden disappearance from Sturatzberg was unexpected by me; still, I know enough of your mission to guess her reason for joining you."