.

Moreover, they are thwarting their own base plans.

Now that she is bound they will trust to their binding, so that they will delay their murderous alternative to the very last moment.

Such is our chance of rescuing her alive!" For a few moments he stood as still as a stone, as though revolving something in his mind whilst he watched.

I could see that some grim resolution was forming in his mind, for his eyes ranged to the top of the trees above cliff, and down again, very slowly this time, as though measuring and studying the detail of what was in front of him.
Then he spoke: "They are in hopes that the other pursuing party may not come across them.