having fixed the hook of the rope in the ring to which was attached
her belt, I lowered my wife. Her father evidently knew her whisper,
and was ready. The hollow Tower--a smooth cylinder within--sent up
the voices from it faint as were the whispers:

"Father, it is I--Teuta!"

"My child, my brave daughter!"

"Quick, father; strap the belt round you. See that it is secure. We
have to be lifted into the air if necessary. Hold together. It will
be easier for Rupert to lift us to the airship."

"Rupert?"

"Yes; I shall explain later. Quick, quick! There is not a moment to
lose. He is enormously strong, and can lift us together; but we must
help him by being still, so he won't have to use the windlass, which
might creak." As she spoke she jerked slightly at the rope, which
was our preconcerted signal that I was to lift. I was afraid the
windlass might creak, and her thoughtful hint decided me. I bent my
back to the task, and in a few seconds they were on the platform on
which they, at Teuta's suggestion, lay flat, one at each side of my
seat, so as to keep the best balance possible.

I took off the clamps, lifted the bags of ballast to the top of the
wall, so that there should be no sound of falling, and started the
engine. The machine moved forward a few inches, so that it tilted
towards the outside of the wall. I threw my weight on the front part
of the platform, and we commenced our downward fall at a sharp angle.