"Would it help," I suggested, "if we were to be taken prisoner by
outlaws and held for ransom?"

"It might," said the consul darkly. "I'd take to the hills myself
and send back a wail for help, only my plain duty is here at the
mission. What I have suggested to you is mad quixotism at the best,
and at the worst--well, do you recall what happened to poor Vyner,
who was held for ransom by Greek brigands? They sent a rescue party
instead of money, and--"

"Charles Vyner was a friend of mine," said Monty quietly.

Fred began to look extremely cheerful and Will nudged me and nodded.

"Remember," said the consul, "in the present state of European politics
there's no knowing what can or can't be done, but if you four men
are absent in the hills I believe I can give the Turkish government
so much to think about that there'll be no massacres in that one district."

"Whistle up Kagig!" Monty answered, and that was the end of the argument
as far as yea or nay had anything to do with it. Prospect of danger
was the last thing likely to divide the party.

"How about permits to travel?" asked Will. "The United States consul
told me none is to be had at present."

The consul rubbed his thumb and forefinger together.

"It may cost a little more, that's all," he said. "You might go