If we can't find out what we want in two months we may chuck the job.

On the 17th of January we should forgather in Constantinople.

Whoever gets there first waits for the others.

If by that date we're not all present, it will be considered that the missing man has got into trouble and must be given up.

If ever we get there we'll be coming from different points and in different characters, so we want a rendezvous where all kinds of odd folk assemble.