And we decided that, though we should put a cordon of guards around
it at a safe distance to prevent them receiving warning, we should at
present make no attack.

We made further inquiry as to whether there had been any vessel seen
in the neighbourhood during the past few days, and were informed that
once or twice a warship had been seen on the near side of the
southern horizon. This was evidently the ship which Rooke had seen
on his rush down the coast after the abduction of the Voivodin, and
which he had identified as a Turkish vessel. The glimpses of her
which had been had were all in full daylight--there was no proof that
she had not stolen up during the night-time without lights. But the
Vladika and I were satisfied that the Turkish vessel was watching--
was in league with both parties of marauders--and was intended to
take off any of the strangers, or their prey, who might reach Ilsin
undetected. It was evidently with this view that the kidnappers of
Teuta had, in the first instance, made with all speed for the south.
It was only when disappointed there that they headed up north,
seeking in desperation for some chance of crossing the border. That
ring of steel had so far well served its purpose.

I sent for Rooke, and put the matter before him. He had thought it
out for himself to the same end as we had. His deduction was:

"Let us keep the cordon, and watch for any signal from the Silent
Tower. The Turks will tire before we shall. I undertake to watch
the Turkish warship. During the night I shall run down south,
without lights, and have a look at her, even if I have to wait till
the grey of the dawn to do so. She may see us; but if she does I
shall crawl away at such pace that she shall not get any idea of our