"Don't you believe it!" laughed Will. "The members for the Parish
Pump, and the senators from Ireland would howl about the Monroe Doctrine
and Washington's advice at the merest hint of a Yankee in trouble
in foreign parts."

"What about the United States papers?"

"They'd think it was an English scheme to entangle the United States,
and they'd be afraid to support action for fear of the Irish. No,
England's your only chance!"

"Well," said the consul, "I've told you the whole idea. If I should
happen to know of four important individuals somewhere up-country,
and massacres should break out after you had started, I could supply
our ambassador with something good to work on. The Turkish government
might have to stop the massacre in the district in which you should
happen to be. That would save lives."

"But could they stop it, once started?" I asked.

"They could try. That 'ud be more than they ever did yet."

"You mean," said Monty, "that you'd like us to engage Kagig and make
the trip, and to remain out in case of--ah--vukuart until we're rescued?"

"Can't say I like it, but that's what I mean. And as for rescue,
the longer the process takes the better, I imagine!"

"Hide, and have them hunt for us, eh?"