"King and I have talked it over frequently," said Hugh. "But we haven't been able to think of a safe way of getting inside. Of course, we could run ashore in the launch some night, and climb up the courtyard wall that fronts on the Bosphorus, but we'd certainly be discovered."
"It wouldn't work," asserted Nikka. "No, to get in and have opportunity to look around for the landmarks mentioned in the Instructions we must be accepted as friends."
"It can't be done," protested Hugh at once.
"Oh, yes, it can. Jack and I can do it—with Watkins to help us."
Watkins started up from the pack upon which he had been endeavoring to appear comfortable.
"Oh, now, Mr. Nikka! I never 'eard the like! Your ludship, I protest, I do! I wasn't cut out for a Gypsy. Can you see me in such clothes? It's not decent, your ludship, for a man of my years to be going in public dressed like a pantomime."
"We're not going to make a Gypsy out of you, Watty," returned Nikka, waving him to silence. "You are going to be the innocent victim of two outrageous bandits."
"That's worse," groaned Watkins. "I'll do my duty, your ludship, and take what comes, but there's no call for all this wild talk, if I may say so, sir, and what does it all lead to? And I'm mortal sure, your ludship, there's bugs in this room. 'Adn't we better be getting back to the 'Otel, sir?"
"Sit down," commanded Hugh. "Nobody's stuck you up yet. What's your plan, Nikka?"
"Just this. When we leave here you and Watkins head for Tokalji's house. We'll follow you at a distance. You and Watty must prowl through the street as mysteriously as you can, looking up at the house, examining its approaches, all that sort of thing. Make sure the street is empty—"