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 who have entered the Blue Mountains, from sea or
otherwise, shall never get out by sea! I take it that we of my
contingent shall cover the attacking party. It will be a sorry time