"With thanks for your offer, we must decline," said the correspondent, and his companions showed their unanimity by signs of assent. The acting head of Croixilia did not reply at once, but remained apparently lost in thought. At length, with a gesture of dismissal, he bade them Godspeed and farewell. "I suppose he doesn't expect to see us again," remarked Hugh, as they gained the courtyard. "I thought it strange," assented Reeves, with a laugh. "But I don't mind, and I don't suppose you do, so we won't trouble Sir John again. I shall be sorry to say farewell to Garth and many of the others." "I'm afraid Garth won't be fit to see us off," said Gerald. "He has still to keep to his bed." "It's a marvel he's alive," remarked his elder comrade. "But we must make the best use of our time, for there are plenty of preparations before we set out." "How do you propose to go?" asked Hugh. "By water, if we can get hold of some sort of craft. It's infinitely better than by horseback, and camels are not procurable here. Besides, if we encountered marshes and swamps, horses would be completely out of it." "I hope we will be able to go by boat; it would be fine," replied Hugh enthusiastically. "It would, unless----" "Unless what?" "We encountered rapids and waterfalls. You see, we are at a great height above the sea level, and it will be rather extraordinary if the river runs at an even rate throughout the whole of its course without making a dive of a few hundred feet. But we must face that possibility when the time comes." That same night, as the Englishmen were about to retire, a captain of Sir John's bodyguard handed Reeves a letter. Opening it, the recipient read, to his great astonishment and indignation, that Sir John Cahars had given the greatest attention to his request, but, on the grounds that their presence was necessary for the defence of the State, and also that he had too great a regard for the three strangers, he was compelled to order them to remain within the city of Charleton. "Well, I'm hanged!" exclaimed Reeves; then turning to the captain, Raoul Gare, he asked whether he was aware of the nature of the contents of the communication. "Assuredly, sir," replied the officer, "since I have been commanded to obtain your paroles not to go beyond one league of the city gates." "We give no parole," replied Reeves stiffly. "Tell your master that." "Then I regret, sir, that my orders are to keep you within the limits of the Mound of Pharamond," replied Gare. "I am sorry, but 'tis my duty," and with a salute he withdrew. CHAPTER XVII The Flight from Croixilia "Now, what's to be done?" asked Gerald. "We are prisoners to all intents and purposes." "There are more ways than one of killing a cat," replied Reeves, tearing the letter into little bits and throwing them into the wide, open hearth. "We must take French leave, that's all. To-morrow I'll see Sir John and have it out with him."