"Nay," Jason replied slowly. "Thy sympathy, Cathur, warms the heart of the man. But the time of rescue has not arrived. Armed interference at present were ill-advised, since Zollaria fears it, and should it be attempted, thinks to offer my son to Bel a sacrifice." "Zitu!" Mutlos gasped. "What then, O Mouthpiece? Where lies a chance of rescue? Zollaria makes demands of ransom?" "Aye--or will. Even now one approaches a rendezvous in the mountains north of Cathur to meet with an agent of ours. It is because of that I am here." "To arrange a mission to this meeting?" Mutlos said with ready understanding. "Aye. Zollaria sends Kalamita of ill-fame to Cathur as her agent. Tamarizia, with the knowledge of Cathur and his own consent if it is forthcoming, sends Scythys' son." "Now, by Zitu!" Admiration waked in Mutlos's eyes. "'Tis well thought of--to face that tawny enchantress, this creature of Adita, by one in whose heart must burn hot hate against her. Guardsmen I place at your disposal and his. My palace lies open to you, and you will honor it with your presence--or plan you to lodge in Koryphu's house?" "With Koryphu this night at least," said Jason. "Yet with Mutlos things must be discussed ere the mission fares forth. Hence at the palace on the night succeeding the sun after this. I accept the offer of guardsmen gladly. A score will be enough." "They will be forthcoming," Mutlos promised, and spoke to his driver. "To Koryphu's house." Up to the door of the lesser palace stalked Jason alone, once he had descended from the motur. But Koryphu had marked his coming, and the door slid open before him. "Hail to thee, Tamarizia, in the person of Jason, Mouthpiece of Zitu," Koryphu exclaimed and drew back a pace before him, that he might enter under the eyes of the watching crowd. His eyes were a trifle bright with excitement, his features a bit flushed with unwonted color at this sudden prominence thrust upon him--wherein the governor's car, with the governor in it, set down so distinguished a guest at his doors. "My lord," he said once the portal was closed, shutting them in together after Mutlos had risen in his motur and bowed and he had returned the salutation. "My lord!" "Greetings to you, Koryphu, son of Scythys," Croft responded. "Behold in me not so much anything as a man bereft and sorely troubled by his loss--one who comes to you thus in a time of trouble to ask you to lend him aid." Koryphu's eyes widened swiftly. "But, by Zitu--in what can one of fallen fortunes aid you, Mouthpiece of Zitu?" he questioned in uncertain fashion. "It is of that we must speak together, Prince of Cathur," Croft replied.