"I am very much afraid it was a wrong move," said the Chemist gravely.
They were sitting in a corner of the roof, talking over the situation. Lylda had left the city; the last they had seen of her, she was striding rapidly away, over the country towards Orlog. The street and field before the house now was nearly deserted.
"She had to do it, of course," the Chemist continued, "but to kill Targo's brother——"
"I wonder," began the Big Business Man thoughtfully. "It seems to me this disturbance is becoming far more serious than we think. It isn't so much a political issue now between your government and the followers of Targo, as it is a struggle against those of us who have this magic, as they call it."
"That's just the point," put in the Doctor quickly. "They are making the people believe that our power of changing size is a menace that——"
"If I had only realized," said the Chemist. "I thought your coming would help. Apparently it was the very worst thing that could have happened."
"Not for you personally," interjected the Very Young Man. "We're perfectly safe—and Lylda, and Loto." He put his arm affectionately around the boy who sat close beside him. "You are not afraid, are you, Loto?"
"Now I am not," answered the boy seriously. "But this morning, when I left my grandfather, coming home——"
"You were afraid for your mother. That was it, wasn't it?" finished the Very Young Man. "Does your grandfather teach you?"
"Yes—he, and father, and mother."