Then, ascending as we went, when the engine began to work at its strength, we turned, and presently made straight for Ilsin.
The journey was short--not many minutes.

It almost seemed as if no time whatever had elapsed till we saw below us the gleam of lights, and by them saw a great body of men gathered in military array.

We slackened and descended.

The crowd kept deathly silence, but when we were amongst them we needed no telling that it was not due to lack of heart or absence of joy.

The pressure of their hands as they surrounded us, and the devotion with which they kissed the hands and feet of both the Voivode and his daughter, were evidence enough for me, even had I not had my own share of their grateful rejoicing.
In the midst of it all the low, stern voice of Rooke, who had burst a way to the front beside the Vladika, said: "Now is the time to attack the Tower.