In the conference which followed the return of the searchers, it was settled that three of the original party should undertake the further prosecution of the hunt for the two heirs. Lord Deppingham found ready volunteers in Chase and the faithful Selim. They prepared to go out in the hills before the night was an hour older. Selim argued that the abductors would not take their prisoners to the town of Aratat. He understood them well enough to know that they fully appreciated the danger of an uprising among those who were known to be openly opposed to the high-handed operations of Rasula and his constituency. He convinced Chase that the wily Rasula would carry his captives to the mines, where he was in full power. "You're right, Selim. If he's tried that game we'll beat him at it. Ten to one, if he hasn't already chucked them into the sea, they're now confined in one of the mills over there." They were ready to start in a very short time. Selim carried a quantity of food and a small supply of brandy. Each was heavily armed and prepared for a stiff battle with the abductors. They were to go by way of the upper gate, taking chances on leaving the park without discovery by the sentinels. "We seem constantly to be saying good-bye to each other." Thus spoke the Princess to Chase as he stood at the top of the steps waiting for Selim. The darkness hid the wan, despairing smile that gave the lie to her sprightly words. "And I'm always doing the unexpected thing--coming back. This time I may vary the monotony by failing to return." "I should think you could vary it more pleasantly by not going away," she said. "You will be careful?" "The danger is here, not out there," he said meaningly. "You mean--me? But, like all danger, I soon shall pass. In a few days, I shall say good-bye forever and sail away." "How much better it would be for you if this were the last good-bye--and I should not come back." "For me?" "Yes. You could marry the Prince without having me on your conscience forevermore." "Mr. Chase!" "It's easier to forget the dead than the living, they say." "Don't be too sure of that." "Ah, there's Selim! Good-bye! We'll have good news for you all, I hope, before long. Keep your eyes on Neenah. She and Selim have arranged a set of signals. Don't lie awake all night--and don't pray for me," he scoffed, in reckless mood.