the Tower in the dark. Then I had a talk with my wife, and gave her
full instructions:

"When we arrive over the Tower," I said, "I shall lower you with a
long rope. You will have a parcel of food and spirit for your father
in case he is fatigued or faint; and, of course, the bullet-proof
suit, which he must put on at once. You will also have a short rope
with a belt at either end--one for your father, the other for you.
When I turn the aeroplane and come back again, you will have ready
the ring which lies midway between the belts. This you will catch
into the hook at the end of the lowered rope. When all is secure,
and I have pulled you both up by the windlass so as to clear the top,
I shall throw out ballast which we shall carry on purpose, and away
we go! I am sorry it must be so uncomfortable for you both, but
there is no other way. When we get well clear of the Tower, I shall
take you both up on the platform. If necessary, I shall descend to
do it--and then we shall steer for Ilsin."

"When all is safe, our men will attack the Tower. We must let them
do it, for they expect it. A few men in the clothes and arms which
we took from your captors will be pursued by some of ours. It is all
arranged. They will ask the Turks to admit them, and if the latter
have not learned of your father's escape, perhaps they will do so.
Once in, our men will try to open the gate. The chances are against
them, poor fellows! but they are all volunteers, and will die
fighting. If they win out, great glory will be theirs."

"The moon does not rise to-night till just before midnight, so we
have plenty of time. We shall start from here at ten. If all be
well, I shall place you in the Tower with your father in less than a