last. But if he saw me he would know that THAT branch of the venture
had miscarried. He would gather from our being here that we had news
of my father's capture, and as he would know that the marauders would
fail unless they were relieved by force, he would order the captive
to be slain."

"Yes, dear, to-morrow you had, perhaps, better see the Captain, but
to-night we must try to rescue my father. Here I think I see a way.
You have your aeroplane. Please take me with you into the Silent
Tower."

"Not for a world of chrysolite!" said I, horrified. She took my hand
and held it tight whilst she went on:

"Dear, I know, I know! Be satisfied. But it is the only way. You
can, I know, get there, and in the dark. But if you were to go in
it, it would give warning to the enemies, and besides, my father
would not understand. Remember, 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