forted as well as
strengthened in the act.

Then, being a man of prompt action, he thoughtfully but quickly formed
his plans, having previously made fast his door--for well he knew that
although his strong-minded father might keep him at arm's-length, his
loving mother and sister would not only come to talk with him, but
would, despite all risks, insist on embracing him.

That he was not far wrong was proved the same evening, for when the king
revealed the terrible news to his wife and daughter, they went straight
to Bladud's door and knocked for admission.

"Who goes there?" demanded the prince.

"Your mother. Let me in, Bladud."

"I may not do so just now, dear mother. Tomorrow you shall know all.
Rest content. I feel better."

In the dead of night Bladud went out softly and sought the hut where
Captain Arkal and Maikar slept. He found them conversing in great
sorrow about the terrible calamity that had overtaken their friend when
he entered. They started up in surprise to receive him.

"Keep off," he said, shrinking back. "Touch me not! I know not whether
the disease may not be catching even at its present stage. Sit down. I
will stand here and tell you what I want you to tell my mother in the
morning."

The two men silently obeyed, and the prince continued.

"I am on the point of leaving home--it may be for ever. The Disposer of
all things knows that. The disease, as you know, is thought to be
incurable. If so, I shall die where no one shall find me. If health
returns I shall come back. It will be of no use to search for me; but I
think that will not be attempted. Indeed, I know that my father would
be compelled to banish me if I wished to remain at home. It is partly
to spare him the pain of doing so that I banish myself of my own accord;
and partly to avoid leaving infection behind me that I go without
farewell. Let my dear mother and sister understand this clearly--and--
comfort them if you can."

"But where will you go to and what will you do?" asked the captain
anxiously.

"That I do not yet know. The forests are wide. There is plenty of room
for man and beast. This only will I reveal to you. To-night I shall
call at the hut of Beniah the Hebrew. He is a wise man and will advise
me. If I send news of myself it shall be through him. But tell not
this to any one. It would only bring trouble on the old man. Farewell,
my comrades. I will remember you as brothers--always. Ma