Tad was triumphant. Nereid helped him adjust his robe. He carried under it two others--for Arturo and me--carefully folded and tied around his body. Nereid was a little doubtful and cautious. “We must remember what they told my father--in the real darkness we Middge, and the Gians, are keener of vision for very close objects.” They were both standing with the current turned on. Nereid put out a tentative hand. “Even in this light I can--I almost think I see you, Tad.” * * * * * They started from the house, invisible shadows, walking quietly, hand in hand not to lose each other. The streets were in a confusion of excitement. Middge couriers had aroused the people to the necessity of leaving. The houses showed bustling, frantic activity. Middge families, with household treasures piled on their _arras_, were starting for the open country. The beginning of the flight. Men, women and children, with impedimenta that very soon would be discarded, plodding away. A long line of them, assembled in an open, parklike space, started marching off. There was another street, up which a line of Gians was headed for the fortress garden. The Middge avoided them. The Gians, intent upon their own activities, took no notice of any one. Through it all Tad and Nereid moved unseen. There was no danger, save for a chance collision. They came to the garden. The lower windows of the Castle were barred; the upper ones were open. The garden was bustling with activity. A huge aërocar was being loaded. Tad whispered: “The main door is open. That’s the best way in.” Gians were passing in and out. Tad and Nereid cautiously mounted the steps. They kept near the edge. At the top a man suddenly came out; he nearly ran into them. Tad pulled Nereid hastily aside; they stood at the doorway, pressed against the wall. Tad clung to her; he could not see his outstretched arm; nor her. He whispered: “Careful, Nereid; he nearly hit us.” In the doorway a group of Gian women were talking. One of them looked squarely at Tad. His heart leaped; but she idly looked away. Nereid whispered: “Wait just a moment--I can hear them--” They were talking of the Middge attack upon the gate-house. Gians had been sent to repulse it. That accursed Bhool! One of the women spoke softly to her companions; abruptly they were all looking toward Tad and Nereid. Too close to the wall! He realized it. The women saw something--puzzling shadows. “Nereid! Move!” They moved soundlessly into the doorway. The women went on talking. Clinging together, the two slipped past. They were in the Castle. A dim entryway. It was thronged with people. Nereid was frightened. It was difficult to avoid being run into--and to avoid getting too near anything. “This way,” Tad whispered. He drew her toward a side corridor. In a few minutes they would reach our cell. Abruptly Nereid stopped. “What is it?” he whispered. “Wait! Listen--”