Re: Tuesday, 17 March 1925
"I wonder if we might be wise to strike the night before the new moon, for our handful of guns, even with the grenades and the element of surprise, will not be enough to overcome dozens, should they offer any resistance. Facing those numbers, I suggest rapid fire will prove more important than long-range accuracy; pistols and shotguns will deliver the most devastating fusillade.
"On the night before, Gavigan and Tewfik will probably be in the mansion, a daunting objective by itself. We may substitute stealth for an open assault then to locate and secure their victims and then hunt down the heads of the cult.
In any case, I recommend against making the boat crews a part of our assault force. If we need to make a hasty retreat, having the crew dead or missing would be a great tragedy, I think."
He turns to Cynthia, "It occurs, Miss Holloway, that Major Storm might be in need of and aide-de-camp to manage the signals and such."