If it contains the Professor, he whom the Fung and the Abati know as Black Windows, Japhet, you are to seize him and lead, or if necessary carry, him to the ladder, up which some of the mountaineers must be ready to help him.

Your duty, Sergeant, and mine, also that of the Doctor firing from above, will be to keep off the lions as best we can, should any lions appear, retreating as we fire.

If the brutes get one of us he must be left, since it is foolish that both lives should be sacrificed needlessly.

For the rest, you, Sergeant, and you, Japhet, must be guided by circumstances and act upon your own discretion.

Do not wait for special orders from me which I may not be able to give.