“Out along the way we came yesterday, to reconnoitre.”
“But that is foolhardy,” said the old man solemnly.
“That is just how I feel—foolhardy—or perhaps restless, rather. But I don’t intend to run any risks. I shall stop on this side of the river and make sure that the soldiers are gone from the Ortojuk end of the bridge before I attempt to cross. If they are there still, I shall come back.”
“But what foolishness are you contemplating? You have some silly idea of gaining glory by running into danger.”
“I assure you that you were never more mistaken in your life. It is easy to see that you don’t know me, or you wouldn’t make such a suggestion. My errand is the very prosaic one of discovering whether we have been tracked across, or not. If I find that they think we are still on the other side, I shall venture on hiring a boat to-morrow, for the sake of the ladies, who are really unfit to walk. But if they are looking for us on this side, or along the river, walk we must.”
“Yes. I can show you a path across the hills, which is fairly safe, but very rough. Well, go and make your inquiries, my son. I wish I had something better than rye-bread and ewe-cheese to give you to take with you.”
“Nothing could be better,” said Cyril cheerfully. “Good-bye. Present my respects to the ladies when they appear.”
But as he turned towards the forest-path, stuffing the bread and cheese into his girdle as he walked, the Queen ran out suddenly from the hut, and caught his arm. She had no shoes on, and her feet were bound up in pocket-handkerchiefs; but it was evident that she had quite forgotten the fact.
“Where are you going, Count?” she asked imperiously.
“On a voyage of discovery, madame.”