"The old wizard," he replied, nodding at Umgona; "then his daughter
after him, and last of all this fellow," and he struck Nahoon in the
face with his open hand.
"Come on, Wizard," said the captain, grasping Umgona by the arm, "and
let us see how you can swim."
At the words of doom Umgona seemed to recover his self-command, after
the fashion of his race.
"No need to lead me, soldier," he said, shaking himself loose, "who am
old and ready to die." Then he kissed his daughter at his side, wrung
Nahoon by the hand, and turning from Hadden with a gesture of contempt
walked out upon the platform that joined the two thorn trunks. Here
he stood for a moment looking at the setting sun, then suddenly, and
without a sound, he hurled himself into the abyss below and vanished.
"That was a brave one," said the captain with admiration. "Can you
spring too, girl, or must we throw you?"
"I can walk my father's path," Nanea answered faintly, "but first I
crave leave to say one word. It is true that we were escaping from the
king, and therefore by the law we must die; but it was Black Heart here
who made the plot, and he who has betrayed us.
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