ember, he does not know you; he has never seen you, and
does not, I suppose, even know as yet of your existence. But he would
know me at once, and in any dress. You can manage to lower me into the
Tower by a rope from the aeroplane. The Turks as yet do not know of our
pursuit, and doubtless rely, at all events in part, on the strength and
security of the Tower. Therefore their guard will be less active than it
would at first or later on. I shall post father in all details, and we
shall be ready quickly. Now, dear, let us think out the scheme together.
Let your man's wit and experience help my ignorance, and we shall save my
father!"

How could I have resisted such pleading--even had it not seemed wise?
But wise it was; and I, who knew what the aeroplane could do under my own
guidance, saw at once the practicalities of the scheme. Of course there
was a dreadful risk in case anything should go wrong. But we are at
present living in a world of risks--and her father's life was at stake.
So I took my dear wife in my arms, and told her that my mind was hers for
this, as my soul and body already were. And I cheered her by saying that
I thought it might be done.

I sent for Rooke, and told him of the new adventure, and he quite agreed
with me in the wisdom of it. I then told him that he would have to go
and interview the Captain of the Turkish warship in the morning, if I did
not turn up. "I am going to see the Vladika," I said. "He will lead our
own troops in the attack on the Silent Tower. But it will rest with you
to deal with the warship. Ask the Captain to whom or what nation the
ship belongs. He is sure to refuse to tell. In such case mention to him
that if he flies no nation's flag, his vessel is a pirate ship, and that
you, who are in command of the navy of the Blue Mountains, will deal with
him as a pirate is dealt with--no quarter, no mercy. He will temporize,
and perhaps try a bluff; but when things get serious with him he will
land a force, or try to, and may even prepare to shell the town. He will
threaten to, at any rate. In such case deal with him as you think best,
or as near to it as you can." He answered:

"I shall carry out your wishes with my life. It is a righteous task.
Not that anything of that sort would ever stand in my way. If he attacks
our nation, either as a Turk or a pirate, I shall wipe him out. We shall
see what our own little packet can do. Moreover, any of the marauders