For a moment silence came down, save for Koryphu's audible breathing. For a moment his eyes flamed with a sudden light, and then he turned them away since, in the code of Tamarizian manhood, there was little room for tears. Then he rose. "Zitu!" he broke forth hoarsely and lifted his arms. "Father of life--hast then given ear in such fashion to my prayers? Is the time of penance ended? Am I again to step forth proudly among men as among my peers? Is it so your Mouthpiece brings this labor to me--placing upon my shoulders a task that through it I may prove my love of nation, tear to ribbons the garment of sorrow in which I have been clothed? If so, I thank thee, Zitu." He sank down again, dropping his head upon his folded arms on the table. For a time Croft watched him, elation and sympathy blended in his regard. Here was his agent ready. There was small doubt Koryphu would accept the chance to prove he had been misjudged as blood brother to Kyphallos. The mere thought of what the opportunity offered had left him too deeply moved. "Nay, Koryphu," he said presently as the Cathurian kept his face hidden while his shoulders heaved. "None questioned thy loyalty really. Half thy worry was of your own conceiving. Few spake illy of thee. Men deemed rather you had taken for comfort to your tablets and scrolls. By Jadgor and Robur of Aphur, my choice of thee is approved." "Hai! Jadgor--Robur! Say you so?" Koryphu lifted his head. "Perchance thou art right," he went on more calmly. "Perchance I have brooded over much. Yet comes this now as the realization of dreams born in nights of brooding, hopes formed in sorrow, and well-nigh dead." "You accept, then?" Croft questioned. "Accept. Aye, by Zitu--and I shall serve you loyally. Speak what you wish, Mouthpiece of Zitu. What do I when I face this beauteous slayer of men's souls--shall I slay her for you, watch for opportunity and strike her dead? If so the life of Koryphu were a small price--" "_Hilka!_" Croft interrupted the man's hysterical outburst. "Hold now, Koryphu of Cathur--Koryphu does naught save listen to her words. Think you the death of their agent would help us--or render my dear ones more safe--or that the dead body of Koryphu would bring to Tamarizia more swiftly the demands Zollaria will make through her toward those negotiations that shall follow? Nay, small danger lies in this mission so that rather than inflamed with rage when he stands before her, Koryphu appears but one come to return with her words." "Aye." Koryphu caught his breath quickly. "Yet owe her I a debt of overlong standing." Croft nodded. "I deny it not. Let Koryphu's vengeance begin when she sees me not of Tamarizia's party--and finds herself outplayed." "Thinks she the Mouthpiece of Zitu a fool to walk into her trap?" Koryphu questioned.