steal out and wait on the wall. That projecting watch-tower that overhangs
the cliff on the other side would be the best. We will be below. Then a
rope must be lowered. We have two long picketing ropes, either of which
would be long enough, but they would be too bulky to carry in without
suspicion. Our native guides, however, will soon tear up some cloth, and
twist a rope not much thicker than string, but strong enough to hold the
rope. Then the string can be twisted round the body without fear of
detection, and when the time comes lowered, with a stone at the end. We
shall be below with a strong rope ladder, made with the picket-ropes and
bamboo staves; and once fixed, we shall be up in no time. I leave it to
you to decide who are the best linguists. They must of course be asked if
they are willing to undertake it. I will speak to the guides. What do you
think of the general plan?"

"Excellent," the officers said. "It might be as well," one suggested,
"that each of the party should have a light rope wound round him, so that
if one, two, or even three could not slip away, the fourth could still
carry out the plan."

Some other details were arranged, and then the officers went to pick out
the two men who could best pass as natives. There was no difficulty upon
this score, for two of the troop, who had for years commanded large police
districts, spoke the language as perfectly as natives, and these, upon
being asked, readily accepted the duty. The work of making the rope
ladders, and the light ropes for hauling them up, was entered upon, and by
sunset all were ready for the expedition.

It was fortunate that they had no longer to stay in the wood, for during
the day five or six natives who came in to gather wood had to be seized
and bound, and it was certain that a search would be set on foot there