He shook hands with Ledscha as he spoke, and Hanno accompanied her to her boat.
At first he was silent, but as she was stepping into the skiff he repeated his promise of meeting her here the following night.
"Very well," she answered quickly. "Perhaps I may have a commission to give you."
"I will fulfil it," he answered firmly.
"To-morrow, then," she called, "unless something unexpected prevents."
But when seated on the thwart she again turned to him, and asked: "Does it need a long time to bring your ship, with brave men on board, to this place?"
"We can be here in four hours, and with favourable winds still sooner," was the reply.
"Even if it displeases your father?"
"Even then, and though the gods, many as there are, should forbid--if only your gratitude will be gained."
"It will," she answered firmly, and the water plashed lightly under the strokes of her oars.