Before reaching the town, however, we descended in the midst of a little army of my own people, who were gathered ready to advance upon the Silent Tower, there to effect, if necessary, my rescue by force.

Small chance would there have been of my life in case of such a struggle.
Happily, however, the devotion and courage of my dear daughter and of her gallant companion prevented such a necessity.

It was strange to me to find such joyous reception amongst my friends expressed in such a whispered silence.

There was no time for comment or understanding or the asking of questions--I was fain to take things as they stood, and wait for fuller explanation.
This came later, when my daughter and I were able to converse alone.
When the expedition went out against the Silent Tower, Teuta and I went to her tent, and with us came her gigantic companion, who seemed not wearied, but almost overcome with sleep.

When we came into the tent, over which at a little distance a cordon of our mountaineers stood on guard, he said to me: "May I ask you, sir, to pardon me for a time, and allow the Voivodin to explain matters to you?
She will, I know, so far assist me, for there is so much work still to be done before we are free of the present peril.
For myself, I am almost overcome with sleep.