"What's our height?" asked the Major abruptly.
"A thousand feet," suggested Dick.
"No, six hundred," Joe corrected him from the entrance to the engine-room.
"Then lower me to our fellows, then ascend out of range of shot. Many of those Pathans are armed with modern rifles and could riddle the ship. Now, sir, I am ready."
"So am I," cried Dick, taking his place on the platform of the lift, where the ammunition cases had already been placed.
"And I also," chimed in Alec, joining him.
"But——" began Andrew.
"Let 'em come," said the Major. "It'll be a fine experience for them. But you know the risks, lads."
Dick grinned. He had a way of doing that when excited. Alec merely slung his rifle across his shoulders and gripped the supporting cable.
"Lower away then," cried Andrew. "Now!"