speed. She will certainly come nearer before a day is over, for be
sure the bureau of spies is kept advised, and they know that when the
country is awake each day increases the hazard of them and their
plans being discovered. From their caution I gather that they do not
court discovery; and from that that they do not wish for an open
declaration of war. If this be so, why should we not come out to
them and force an issue if need be?"

When Teuta and I got a chance to be alone, we discussed the situation
in every phase. The poor girl was in a dreadful state of anxiety
regarding her father's safety. At first she was hardly able to
speak, or even to think, coherently. Her utterance was choked, and
her reasoning palsied with indignation. But presently the fighting
blood of her race restored her faculties, and then her woman's quick
wit was worth the reasoning of a camp full of men. Seeing that she
was all on fire with the subject, I sat still and waited, taking care
not to interrupt her. For quite a long time she sat still, whilst
the coming night thickened. When she spoke, the whole plan of
action, based on subtle thinking, had mapped itself out in her mind:

"We must act quickly. Every hour increases the risk to my father."
Here her voice broke for an instant; but she recovered herself and
went on:

"If you go to the ship, I must not go with you. It would not do for
me to be seen. The Captain doubtless knows of both attempts: that
to carry me off as well as that against my father. As yet he is in
ignorance of what has happened. You and your party of brave, loyal
men did their work so well that no news could go forth. So long,
therefore, as the naval Captain is ignorant, he must delay till the