It was still almost dark; and as we stood close by the door, speaking in the low tone partly of sadness, partly of precaution, two figures were dimly discernible just inside, and we caught a few broken words.
"You have heard," said a harsh voice, which seemed to be Astona's, "there is no doubt now.

You have your part to play, and can do it quickly and safely." I paid little attention to words whose dangerous significance would at another moment have been plain to me.

But Davilo, greatly alarmed, laid his hand upon my arm.

As he did so, another voice thrilled me with intensest pain and amazement.
"Be quick to bear your message," Eive said, in rapid guarded tones.
"They have means of vengeance certain and prompt, and they never spare." Astona departed without seeing us.

Eive closed the door, and Davilo and I, hastily and unperceived, followed the spy to the gate of the enclosure.