“But there was no firing—no alarm!” cried Maurice.
“No need. Nilischeff and his men were holding a palaver, and they had only to slip past.”
“But we can turn them out?”
“If we try it we shall have them on us along the whole line. No, honestly I think it will be best to let them stay there for the day—taking care they get no farther, of course—and make use of the truce if they will let us.”
“How? by trying to communicate with the Admirals again?”
“No, that’s useless. By getting your wife and sister away.”
“But, good Heavens! you say we are cut off from Ephestilo.”
“By the direct path, but there is a longer way round. Zeko will take them down all right.”
“But not to-day. You have not warned the ships.”
“As soon as it is dusk this evening. That will give us time to burn the blue lights on the gateway, for they can’t get to Ephestilo by the long way till to-morrow morning at earliest. Then Cotway will be ready for them.”