Here we discussed the details of our expedition until long after
dark. Xodar was positive that Issus would choose both Dejah Thoris
and Thuvia to serve her for a year.
"For that length of time at least they will be comparatively safe,"
he said, "and we will at least know where to look for them."
In the matter of equipping a fleet to enter Omean the details
were left to Kantos Kan and Xodar. The former agreed to take such
vessels as we required into dock as rapidly as possible, where
Xodar would direct their equipment with water propellers.
For many years the black had been in charge of the refitting of
captured battleships that they might navigate Omean, and so was
familiar with the construction of the propellers, housings, and
the auxiliary gearing required.
It was estimated that it would require six months to complete our
preparations in view of the fact that the utmost secrecy must be
maintained to keep the project from the ears of Zat Arras. Kantos
Kan was confident now that the man's ambitions were fully aroused
and that nothing short of the title of Jeddak of Helium would
satisfy him.
"I doubt," he said, "if he would even welcome Dejah Thoris' return,
for it would mean another nearer the throne than he. With you and
Carthoris out of the way there would be little to prevent him from
assuming the title of Jeddak, and you may rest assured that so long
as he is supreme here there is no safety for either of you.
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