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Alek bridled at Klopp’s ier in check The old eneral, and Lilit’s chatter about wo Zaven and the iron goleht a sht of a nealker

"The Ger with the Committee is our only way to strike back at the master"

"Indeed," Alek said simply He looked at Bauer, who pro more difficult to convince He’d taken an instant dislike to Lilit, and refused to tell Alek anything about hisonly that it was too secret to share with "a bunch of daft anarchists"

Still, it was enough that Dylan was here in Istanbul, ready to help So about the boy’s brisk confidence made Alek re the beastie," Dylan said in English, pulling on a silk jacket His clothes fit perfectly - he’d spent an hour alone with the tailor getting theht "Dr Barlow says it can be quite useful"

"But all it does is babble," Alek said, pulling his o - a small, heavy satchel - onto his shoulder "Did she explain exactly how it’s meant to help?"

Dylan opened the birdcage, and Bovril scampered over and jumped inside "Only that we should listen to it Because it’s quiteperspicacious"

Alek frowned "I’lish"

"Aye It’s beyond e and scratched the creature’s chin "But you’re a cute wee beastie, aren’t you?"

"Perspicacious," the creature said

When Klopp was finally ready, Alek used the switchboard to call for a steam elevator A few minutes later the four of them were downstairs and headed across the lobby

The hotel was bustling, and no one stared at their clothes or asked why they were carrying toolboxes Alek dropped the key off at the desk, and the door could be said for Istanbul, people minded their own business here

Several of the city’s scarab beetle taxis aiting, and Alek chose the largest It had two ranks of passenger seats, the rearh for Klopp’s ample frame Alek climbed into the front rank with Deryn, then handed the pilot sohborhood

The ave him a nod, and then they were off

Above the noises of the street, Alek heard a ru the walker’s engine He leaned down to shush the beast, then slipped the small, heavy satchel under the seat

"A lot of soldiers about," Bauer said "Is it always this way?"

Alek looked up, frowning The walker was striding doide avenue lined with tall trees Otto themselves into double ranks Most were in dress uniforms

"I’ve never seen this many," he said "Perhaps it’s a parade"

The taxi was slowing now, the traffic growing heavier Ahead of thean to belch black smoke, and Klopp made a rude comment about poorengines, until the four of the at their new clothes

"Sir," Bauer said softly, "soh the water buffalo’s exhaust A hundredevery vehicle that passed

"A checkpoint," Alek said

"Foreigners are meant to carry passports in this country," Klopp said softly

"Should we get out and walk?" Alek said

Klopp shook his head "That’ll justthese toolboxesand a birdcage, for heaven’s sake"

"Right," Alek sighed "Well, then, we’re tourists who’ve left our passports at our hotel And if that doesn’t work, we can bribe them"

"And if bribery doesn’t work?" Klopp asked

Alek frowned They were carrying too much to run, and there were too uess," Dylan said in English "You’re thinking about bribing them They’ll refuse No soldier takes a bribe with so many captains about"

Alek swore softly It was true - officers with tall plumed hats were everywhere

"Can’t you pilot this contraption?" Dylan asked

Alek peered over the pilot’s shoulder at the strange controls "With six legs? Not rin "Enough with your blether, then When it coive the pilot a heave, and you and Bauer shove Master Klopp in front of the saunters!"

"I suppose that sounds sih," Alek said

But of course it wasn’t si The line oozed along like heavy engine oil, while Klopp listed every conceivable disaster under his breath But finally the belching water buffalo ahead of them passed the checkpoint, and the taxi strode into place

A soldier stepped forward and gave the so in Turkish

"I’e"

The man offered a polite bow, and said in excellent German, "Passports, then, please"

"Ah" Alek ottentheir silk robes and frowning

The soldier raised an eyebrow, then turned to his squad and lifted a hand in the air

"Oh, blisters!" Dylan cried, grabbing the startled pilot under his ar him up "Do it now!"

As Dylan dropped the man over the side of the taxi, Alek helped Bauer shove Klopp toward the front seat He felt as heavy as a hogshead of wine, but a ripping the saunters

The taxi reared up like a stallion on its four hind legs, scattering the guards around the from its metal feet Past the crowded checkpoint the avenue was clear, and soon Klopp had the allop