The stars were shining when Hal and Chester, accompanied by Uncle John, made their way from the hotel toward the Austrian legation. Uncle John was chuckling to himself as he walked between his two younger companions.
"What is so funny, Uncle John?" asked Chester.
"I was just thinking what your mothers would say if they knew where we were going," was the reply; "particularly if they knew where I was going. I guess they think I am too old for this foolishness, but I tell you, a man likes to be young again."
"What did you tell mother? Where did you say we were going?" asked Hal.
"I told her we were going out—I didn't say where," was the answer. "I'm something of a strategist myself, you know."
"I see you are," replied Chester.
"Now I want you boys to understand that I am under your orders," said Uncle John. "You are older heads at this game than I am. I am willing to obey orders."
"Which is the first essential of every good soldier," said Chester quietly.
"By the way," said Uncle John, patting his pocket, "this is the first time I have had a gun in my hands for a good many years. However, I used to be able to hit the side of a barn. I guess I haven't forgotten. Do you think we shall have to do any shooting?"
"I hope not," said Hal, "but you never can tell."
Uncle John lapsed into silence and the three made their way along slowly.The hour was early, and, as Hal had said, there was no rush.
"Have you formed any definite plan?" asked Chester of Hal, as they walked along.
"Well, no," was the reply. "We shall have to let events shape themselves."
"Which is the best plan, after all," said Chester.
An hour's walk brought them to the embassy building.
"The first thing," said Hal, "is to find out if Robard is in."
"And how are you going to do that?" asked Uncle John.
"Simple," replied Hal. "I'll go up and ask."
He approached the door and rang the bell. A servant opened the door.
"Is Herr Robard in?" asked Hal in perfect German.
The man shook his head.
"I have an important message for him," said Hal. "When shall I find him in?"
The servant glanced at him sharply, then leaned close.
"Are you the messenger Herr Robard expects?" he asked, in a low voice.
Hal glanced sharply about him, more for effect than anything else, and replied, speaking softly:
"From the Wilhelmstrasse."
"Good," said the man, nodding his pleasure. "I am instructed to tell you to come back at a little before ten o'clock."
"Will Herr Robard be here then?"
"Possibly not, but you can wait."
"I shall be here," said Hal, and walked down the steps.
He rejoined Chester and Uncle John, who had waited around the corner.
"I was beginning to fear something had happened to you," said Uncle John.
"What luck?" demanded Chester.
"Better than could be expected," said Hal, and repeated the conversation with the servant.
"And who do you suppose this messenger is?" asked Chester.
"A German secret agent," replied Hal decidedly.
"That was the first thought that flashed through my head when he asked me who I was, which is the reason I took a long chance and mentioned the Wilhelmstrasse."
"You seem to have hit the nail on the head," said Chester.
"Which was luck," said Hal.
"Or quick wit," interposed Uncle John.
"Well," said Chester, "what next? And what are we to do while you are in the house? Surely you are not expecting that we shall all be admitted?"
"No," replied Hal, "and my plan is this: I shall reach the house somewhat earlier than the time set, moving up my watch to avoid suspicion should anything be said. Thus I shall make sure that Robard has not returned. I shall wait.
"Now, when the servant leaves the room, I shall, in some manner, raise the window facing the spot where you stood while I went up to the door a moment ago. Then you and Uncle John can come in. Of course, I may not be left in that particular room to wait, but I shall manage some way. I'll cover your entrance with my gun."
"Good," said Chester, "but then what? Will you try to take the papers forcibly or by stealth?"
"Whichever way seems the most likely to succeed," said Hal briefly."Something must be left to chance."
"Well," said Chester, "we may as well return to the hotel for a couple of hours. It's early yet."
"Not much," said Uncle John. "I don't want to have to answer any questions. Not me. Let's go some place else."
"We'll walk about, then," Hal decided.
This was done.
At fifteen minutes to ten o'clock Hal once more mounted the steps to the Austrian embassy. Chester and Uncle John took their places at the spot agreed upon, and waited.
The same servant opened the door for Hal.
"You are early," he said, somewhat suspiciously it seemed to Hal.
"Why, no," replied the lad, manifesting surprise. "I am on the dot, as I always am. Ten o'clock."
"But it is not ten yet," said the man.
Hal drew out his watch and looked at it.
"Ten to the minute," he said, and held it up so the man could see.
"Your watch is wrong," was the reply. "However, I suppose it makes no difference. Come in."
He held the door open while Hal entered, then closed it.
"This way," he said, and led the way down the hall. Fortunately, he turned into a room facing upon the street where Chester and Uncle John waited without, though it was the room beyond the one beneath the window of which they stood. But, Hal noticed, there was a door between the two rooms.
"Ought to be easy enough," he told himself.
"You can wait here for Herr Robard," said the servant, and moved to withdraw.
"This is the Herr Robard's private office, I take it," said Hal.
"You are wrong," was the reply. "His office is just across the hall. But no one is allowed to enter there unless the Herr is with him, and the door is always locked."
"I see," said Hal, mentally thanking the man for the information, which had come a great deal easier than he had expected. "The Herr is a careful man. It is as it should be."
"You can make yourself at home here until he comes," said the servant."There are magazines and books. I have other matters to attend to."
"All right," said Hal, for he now wished to get rid of the man without more loss of time; he had gained all the information he could hope for without laying himself open to suspicion.
The man withdrew. Hal glanced at his watch.
"Ten-five," he muttered. "That means ten minutes to ten. Robard may come sooner than expected. I must hurry."
Quietly he arose and silently crossed the room. He tried the knob to the door of the next room. The door was locked. He glanced down. There was a key in the lock, and it turned easily. Hal unlocked the door and passed into the room beyond.
Quickly he crossed to the window, and then paused a moment, listening attentively. There was no sound. Unfastening the catch, the lad raised the window gently. It went up without so much as a sound. Hal poked his head out, and called in a low voice:
"All right."
He stepped back and drew his revolver and took his place in the shadow, commanding a view of both doors to the room.
He heard faint sounds without, and concluded rightly that Chester was giving Uncle John a hand up. A moment later Uncle John's head appeared at the window, and he clambered into the room. He was unable to see Hal in the darkness and called:
"Where are you, Hal?"
"Sh—h—h!" whispered Hal. "Come over here."
Uncle John obeyed silently.
There came a whistle from without. Hal recognized it as that of Chester.He hurried to the window and peered out.
"What's the matter?" he called.
"The window is too high, I can't reach the sill," was the reply. "Give me a hand."
Hal started to lay down his gun and lend a hand, but thought better of it. He called to Uncle John.
"Help Chester up," he whispered, and again took his position guarding the doors, with drawn revolver.
Uncle John approached the window and leaned out. He seized Chester's uplifted hand, and pulled. A moment later Chester came scrambling through the window.
"A pretty good climb, if you ask me," he said.
At that moment the door from the hall was thrown open, and a man appeared in the doorway. In his hand he held a revolver, which he pointed straight at Uncle John and Chester, who stood in plain sight before the window.
"Hands up!" he called.
There was nothing for it but to obey. Uncle John's and Chester's hands went high in the air.
Hal, well back from the light which streamed through the open door and the window, slunk further back in the darkness. He was unnoticed, and he knew that he held the whip hand.
"So," said the man in the doorway, "burglars, eh? Well, I shall attend to your cases."
With revolver levelled in a steady hand he advanced further into the room.
A few paces in front of Chester and Uncle John the newcomer paused.
"Armed?" he asked.
Chester made no reply. Uncle John remained silent.
"We'll see," said the newcomer briefly.
Still covering them with his weapon, he put his free hand in Chester's pocket and relieved the lad of his revolver. A similar operation and Uncle John's gun came forth. Uncle John could keep quiet no longer.
"There goes my gun," he said sorrowfully.
In spite of the seriousness of the situation Chester was forced to laugh.
"Don't worry; you'll get it back," he replied.
"You think so, eh?" sneered the newcomer. "Tell me," addressing Chester, "what are you doing here?"
"That's for you to find out," replied the lad.
"Well, I'll find out," exclaimed the man. "Do you know who I am?"
"Why, yes; your name is Robard, isn't it?"
The other stepped back in surprise.
"So you know me, eh!" he exclaimed. "Then you are not burglars."
"Hardly," replied Chester.
"Then what are you doing here?"
"I can't see that it will do any harm to tell you," was Chester's answer."We are after the paper you stole from Colonel Fuesco to-day."
"Oho! And by any chance are you the same youngster I encountered in the street?"
"The same," replied Chester briefly.
"And where is the other? Surely," peering closely at Uncle John, "you are not he. He was younger."
"Right you are," replied Uncle John. "But I guess he'll turn up when he is most needed."
"You think so? Then he had better turn up quickly." He turned again to Chester. "So you came after the paper," he said. "I am very sorry to say that you will not get it."
"Then you have sent it to Vienna," said Chester, somewhat crestfallen.
"Oh, no, I still have it right here," and Robard tapped the breast pocket of his coat.
"Thanks," said Chester. "I just wanted to know where you kept it."
"I suppose you think you are very smart," said the Austrian, somewhat angry at having betrayed himself.
"Smart enough, I guess," returned Chester.
"Come, I have had enough of this," exclaimed the Austrian. "Hold your hands up now, and march out of this room ahead of me."
He waved his revolver from one to the other, and stepped aside that the two might pass ahead of him. Uncle John and Chester obeyed his injunction and moved toward the door. The Austrian took a step after them.
It was at this moment that Hal came into action.
With a sudden spring he leaped upon the Austrian from behind. With one hand he seized the wrist that held the revolver, and turned it upward. With the other he clutched the man by the throat, shutting off his wind and preventing him from crying out. Hal called to Chester:
"Grab him!"
Chester and Uncle John wheeled about and lent a hand in subduing the Austrian. Three against one, it was easy work, and after a short struggle Robard lay panting on the floor. Hal drew his own revolver and covered him.
"One move and you are a dead man," he said quietly.
Robard glared up at him angrily. Chester smiled at him pleasantly.
"You see I am smarter than you gave me credit for," he said.
The Austrian made no response.
"He keeps the paper in his pocket, Hal," said Chester.
"So I heard him say," replied Hal.
He bent over the Austrian and thrust a hand into his pocket. He pulled forth a batch of papers, and walking over to the window, ran through them hurriedly.
"Find it?" asked Chester, walking over to him.
Hal extended a paper.
"I guess this is it, all right," he said, and thrust the document into his pocket.
At that moment there came a startled cry from Uncle John, followed by a heavy thud. Hal and Chester wheeled quickly, just in time to see Robard disappearing through the door, which closed after him with a bang. A key turned in the lock. The thud they had heard was Uncle John toppling to the floor as the result of a blow delivered by the Austrian, who, catching Uncle John off his guard, had sprung to his feet and attacked him.
Hal jumped to the door, while Chester bent over Uncle John and assisted him to his feet.
"The scoundrel!" exclaimed Uncle John. "He took me by surprise. He gave me no warning."
"Surely you didn't expect him to," said Chester, somewhat angry.
Hal sprang to Chester's side.
"Quick!" he exclaimed. "We must get out of here. Robard will have assistance in a moment."
"Which way? Out the window?" asked Chester.
"I guess that will be the best way," said Hal. "You first, Uncle John."
The three hurried to the window, and Uncle John put a leg over the sill. As he did so a sharp shot rang out and Uncle John withdrew his leg hurriedly. He tumbled over to the floor, and seizing his foot in his hand, rocked himself back and forward.
"Hit?" asked Chester anxiously.
"I'm afraid so," replied Uncle John, apparently very much frightened.
Chester bent over him.
He looked at the heel of Uncle John's shoe, and then exclaimed.
"Get up. You are all right. The bullet just carried your heel away."
Uncle John rose to his feet.
"Felt like I had been plugged through the leg," he said. "Just the shock,I guess. Well, what now, boys? We can't get out that way."
"We'll have to go through the door, then," said Chester.
He approached and tried the knob.
"It's locked," said Hal. "I tried it a moment ago. However, that's the way we shall have to go out. Stand back a little."
He drew his revolver, put the muzzle to the lock and fired. There was a loud explosion and the room filled with smoke. Hal seized the knob and threw the door open.
"Where are your guns?" he asked Chester hurriedly.
"Robard took them," replied Chester.
"Then they must be in the room. Find them quickly."
Chester looked hurriedly about. At last his eyes lighted upon them, on a little table at the far end of the room, where the Austrian had laid them.
"All right," said Chester, picking them up and passing one to Uncle John."The sooner we make a start the better."
"Let's go then," said Hal.
He poked his head cautiously out the door and looked down the hall. There was no one in sight.
"Coast clear," he called over his shoulder. "Follow me!"
He sprang into the hall and started for the front door on a dead run.Chester was right behind him, and Uncle John followed close uponChester's heels.
Hal was just about to seize the knob in his free hand, when it was turned from the outside.
"Back, quick," called the lad. "Some one coming."
He wheeled about as he spoke and the other two did likewise. They had barely regained their retreat when heavy footsteps were heard in the hall.
"This way," called a voice in German.
The footsteps came toward them, stopped before the door a moment, and then passed on.
"Now for another trial," whispered Hal.
Again he poked his head out and saw that the coast was apparently clear.
"Come on!" he cried, and made a second dash for the front door. Chester followed him, as did Uncle John.
This time Hal reached the door without trouble and threw it open. Without pausing, he dashed through it and down the steps. Chester was right behind him. But as Uncle John also would have passed out, there came a shot from behind and he toppled to the floor.
In the excitement neither Chester nor Hal noticed this and they had gone half a block before they discovered that Uncle John was not with them.
"Great Scott! What can have happened to him?" exclaimed Chester.
"Probably got caught," replied Hal.
"Then we must go back after him. Come on."
"Wait a minute," said Hal. "Don't forget this paper we recovered. It must be returned to General Ferrari, Uncle John or no Uncle John."
"But we can't let them kill him!" cried Chester.
"They won't kill him," said Hal positively. "They would be afraid to do that. First I must deliver this paper, and then we shall try to rescue Uncle John. But the paper is first. You know that."
"You are right, of course," Chester agreed. "Besides Uncle John knew what he was up against before he came with us. He'll have to wait until we can help him."
"All right, then. Now my idea is for you to wait here while I return this paper to General Ferrari. Then I shall come back and we will see what can be done. If they should take Uncle John from the house you follow them."
"Suits me," said Chester. "Get back as soon as you can."
Hal waved a hand and hurried away in the darkness.
"Guess I'll see if I can learn anything," said Chester to himself, afterHal had disappeared.
He approached the embassy cautiously. He could see lights within, but the shades were drawn and he could distinguish nothing. Once he thought he heard sounds of a struggle in the house, but he could not be sure.
He was on the point of entering, but it occurred to him that if he should fall into the enemy's hands he could do Uncle John little good.
"I'll wait until Hal comes back, anyhow," he decided at last.
He walked some distance from the embassy, still remaining close enough to see any one who should leave by the front door, and sat down on the steps before a large stone house.
"Hope Hal gets a move on," he muttered to himself, as he settled himself as comfortably as possible.
When Uncle John fell to the floor, his first feeling was one of anger. He scarcely felt the sharp pain in his leg, where a bullet had grazed the skin. He saw Chester disappearing ahead of him, and his first thought was to get up and hurry after him.
He pulled himself to his feet and again moved toward the door. As he did so he felt a pair of arms thrown about him from behind. Uncle John turned to give battle to this assailant.
Now Uncle John was a big man and in his youth had been noted for his strength. Time had sapped his prowess, however, and he knew that he was no match for his adversary. Nevertheless, he determined to fight it out.
With an effort he shook off the encircling arms and faced his opponent, who proved to be none other than Robard himself. Bethinking himself of the days of his youth, when he had been considered something of a boxer, Uncle John decided to keep the other at arm's length, if possible. Therefore he squared off in most approved fashion.
It was plain that the Austrian was not an exponent of the art of self-defense and Uncle John sent three hard blows to the man's face, before the latter stepped back and sought to bring his revolver to bear. But Uncle John had no mind to be shot down and he sprang forward and seized the other in a fierce embrace. This style of fighting was more to the Austrian's liking.
A big man himself, he was nothing loath to test Uncle John's wrestling ability. He threw his arms about him, and the two struggled up and down the long hall, panting and gasping.
But the Austrian was a younger man and he soon realized that Uncle John was beginning to tire. The latter realized it also and knew that if he would be successful, it must be immediately. He put a foot in back of the Austrian and pushed hard. Robard lost his balance and fell, but he kept his grip, and Uncle John was pulled to the floor with him.
Uncle John freed an arm and planted his fist squarely in the Austrian's face. The latter gave a cry of rage and shouted for help. Uncle John smiled grimly.
"You'll need it," he said.
Again he raised a fist and brought it down with all his force. The Austrian's arms relaxed their grip. He quivered a bit, and then sank back unconscious. Uncle John got to his feet.
"I'm not so bad at that," he told himself modestly. "I wish the boys could have been here to see that. Now to get out of here."
He moved toward the door, but even as he would have opened it, it moved back and three men stepped inside. They saw Uncle John and the unconscious form of Robard at first glance, and sprang upon Uncle John with a shout.
Uncle John drew a long breath and waded into the midst of them.
The newcomers also proved to be novices in the fistic art, and as long as Uncle John was able to keep them at long range he gave a good account of himself. But, realizing that they were getting the worst of this kind of fighting, one of the men gave a command to close in. In vain Uncle John strove to keep them off. One threw himself to the floor, and avoiding a heavy kick, grasped Uncle John by the leg, pulling him down. The others piled on top of him.
Two minutes later Uncle John had ceased to struggle, and lay powerless in the hands of his captors.
"Well, you've got me," he said. "Now what?"
Still keeping a tight grip upon him, the men assisted Uncle John to his feet. One drew a revolver and covered him. The other two went to the assistance of Robard, who was just getting to his feet. The latter came forward with an angry gleam in his eye.
"So I've got you at last," he said. "Well, I'll see that you don't get away this time."
"You weren't big enough to get me alone," said Uncle John, panting from his exertions.
"I wasn't, eh!" shouted Robard, now furiously angry. "I've got you now, and you shall pay. Take that!"
He dealt Uncle John a heavy blow with the back of his hand.
In his early days Uncle John had been noted for his fiery temper. It was said of him that when his temper was aroused, he became a maniac. So it was now.
Taking no thought of the man who held the revolver almost in his face, Uncle John, his cheek red from the imprint of the Austrian's hand, uttered a cry of rage, and leaped forward. His move was so unexpected that the man with the revolver did not fire, and when at last he had again brought his revolver to bear, he feared to press the trigger lest he might hit his friend as well as foe.
Uncle John, in a moment, was the center of a struggling, shouting mass. His fists flew about like flails and he kicked out with his feet whenever occasion presented itself. One, two, three heavy blows he landed upon Robard's face, and the Austrian suddenly collapsed in a heap. Still fighting mad, Uncle John whirled upon the other three, who now closed with him.
A right-handed jolt caught one of them flush on the jaw and he toppled over backwards without so much as a groan. The other brought a fist heavily to Uncle John's nose, bringing blood, but before he could repeat the blow, Uncle John had placed him hors de combat with a terrific left-handed punch to the abdomen.
Then the third man drew back and presented his revolver, but Uncle John sprang forward with a cry and before the man's finger could press the trigger, Uncle John had seized him about the middle. Raising him high in the air, he swung him to one side, and the man's head struck the wall with a crunch even as the revolver exploded.
Uncle John dropped the limp body and surveyed the field. His anger had departed and he was again a cool and self-possessed American gentleman of middle age.
"There's that temper of mine again," he said reprovingly to himself. "Why, I might have killed somebody. After all these years I should have it under control. I guess I'll be moving before some one makes me real mad."
He stooped and picked up his hat, which had fallen on the floor, took one last look at his fallen foes, and opened the door and passed out.
Down the street he saw a solitary figure sitting upon the steps in front of a large stone house, and he walked in the other direction.
"I've had trouble enough for one night," he told himself. "Guess I will give that fellow a wide berth."
And had he gone toward the seated figure he would have avoided more trouble for all concerned, and Hal and Chester would probably never have seen active service with the Italian army. For the figure that caused Uncle John to turn his footsteps in the opposite direction was Chester, awaiting the return of Hal.
"Wonder why those young scalawags didn't come back to help me?" mused Uncle John, as he walked along toward the hotel. "I'll tell them what I think of them for running away and leaving me to do all the fighting."
Uncle John glanced at his watch.
"Great Scott!" he exclaimed. "Twelve o'clock! Why, it doesn't seem fifteen minutes since we went in that house. Guess Hal and Chester have returned to the hotel by this time. What shall I tell the women folks? They'll wonder what a man of my age is prowling about the streets of Rome for at this hour of the night."
He entered his hotel and made his way toward the elevator. It descended, and as he would have entered, he bumped squarely into Mrs. Paine and Mrs. Crawford.
"John," cried the latter, "where is Chester?"
"Where is Hal?" demanded Mrs. Paine anxiously.
"Why, they—aren't they—they'll be here in a few minutes," stutteredUncle John.
"Where are they?" demanded the two anxious mothers in a single voice.
"Now hold on here," said Uncle John, regaining his composure with an effort. "I'll explain. Hal and Chester are all right. They'll be here in a few minutes."
"And what on earth is the matter with you, John?" asked Mrs. Crawford in surprise.
"What's the matter with me?"
"Yes. Your collar is half off, your clothes are dirty and there is blood on your shoe. What is the matter?"
"Well, nothing much," replied Uncle John in great confusion, "you see, I had—I had a—"
"And were Hal and Chester with you?" asked Mrs. Paine.
"Yes, that is no. I mean—" stuttered Uncle John.
"Come now, John, no fibbing," said Mrs. Crawford. "You were in trouble, and Hal and Chester were with you. Where are they now?"
"Well, to tell the truth, I don't know where they are," said Uncle John."I supposed they would be here by this time."
In a few words he explained what had transpired.
"They left the house without being hurt?" asked Mrs. Paine.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then where can they be now?" demanded Mrs. Crawford.
"I'm sure I don't know, unless they have stopped for a talk with the general, and that's about the size of it."
"I guess you are right," replied Mrs. Paine with relief. "But why didn't you tell us all this before you went out to-night?"
"Yes, why didn't you?" demanded Mrs. Crawford.
"Well," said Uncle John slowly, "we didn't want to worry you."
"You are getting too old for such foolishness," declared Mrs. Crawford.
"I thought so myself," replied Uncle John, "but I know better now. If you had seen the licking I handed those four Austrians you would think I was a boy again."
"I'll think you have reached your second childhood if you ever let me hear of anything like it again," declared his sister.
Uncle John was growing tired of this conversation. He wanted to be let alone.
"I'll go out and see if I can find the boys," he said.
"Please do," said Mrs. Paine.
"And see that you keep out of mischief yourself," adjured Mrs. Crawford.
Uncle John shook his head as he walked away.
"These women are funny things," he said. "I wonder what can have happened to those boys? They've probably gone back to look for me. Guess I had better head that way myself. I may come in handy, you never can tell."
He patted the revolver, which still rested securely in his pocket.
"I may have use for this next time," he muttered, as he quickened his steps toward the Austrian legation.
Chester rose to his feet, as he saw a figure hurrying toward him.
"Must be Hal," he said.
He was right. A moment later Hal came up to him.
"Did you give the general the paper?" asked Chester.
"Yes. Any one come out of the house?"
"I haven't seen any one, and I have been right here all the time you were gone."
"Hear any sounds from within?"
"Thought I did several times, but I couldn't be sure. Thought I heard a shot once."
"Well, we had better go and have a look. I don't believe they will harmUncle John, but he probably is beginning to be worried by this time."
He led the way and Chester followed him. Hal mounted the steps without hesitancy and turned the knob of the door. The door opened and the lad stepped inside, where he halted with a cry of surprise. Chester peered over his shoulder.
"Looks like a cyclone had struck this place," Hal ejaculated.
It did indeed. Robard was lying upon the floor, with a man on either side of him, and a fourth lay some distance away, his skull crushed in.
"Uncle John probably was the cyclone," said Chester briefly. "I have heard that he used to be considerable of a fighter in his younger days."
"And still he could hardly have done all this," said Hal.
"Remember Alexis," said Chester sententiously.
"That's different," replied Hal.
"Well, maybe so, but—"
Chester broke off and grabbed Hal by the arm.
"Sh-h-h," he whispered.
Hal listened attentively for a few seconds. The faint sound of footsteps could be heard approaching from further back in the house. At the same moment Robard groaned, moved about and sat up. The hands of the two lads dropped to their pockets.
But before they could draw their weapons, they were startled by a voice behind them.
"Hands up!" it said.
There was no mistaking the menace in the quiet tones and Hal and Chester realized that the owner of the voice meant business.
"Good work, Fritz," came the voice of Robard, and he pulled himself to his feet with some difficulty and advanced toward the boys. "I'll thank you for your guns," he said. "No, I'll get them myself," he added as both boys moved their hands toward the weapons.
He suited the action to the word and relieved the lads of their automatics.
"Now stand back there against the wall," he commanded.
The boys obeyed.
Robard now gave his attention to the injured men on the floor. Two of them showed signs of returning consciousness and soon were able to get to their feet. The other could not be revived, and at a command from Robard, he was carried to another room.
"Well, I've got you this time," said Robard to Hal and Chester, "and this time I'll guarantee you don't get away."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," said Hal with a smile. "We are pretty hard to hold on to."
"I'll hold on to you, never fear," was the response. "I'd like to get my hands on the other."
"Then he has gotten away?" queried Chester.
"Oh, yes, he got away all right," said Robard with a frown. "He's as strong as an ox, and a real fighter."
"Then he was responsible for all this human wreckage we found when we came in?" demanded Hal.
"He was," was the grim reply, "but the next time I get my hands on him there will be a different story to tell. Why, he's a madman when he gets started."
"Then I would advise you to keep away from him," said Hal.
The sound of footsteps outside the door prevented Robard from replying. Levelling a revolver at the lads, he motioned them to be silent, and took up a position at the side of the hall, where he would be concealed by the door when it swung inward.
A hand turned the knob and the door swung back. Uncle John's face appeared in the doorway. He saw Hal and Chester immediately and advanced with a smile.
"So here you are," he said. "Your mothers—"
The sentence died on his lips as Robard, who had stepped quietly from behind the door, brought the butt of his heavy revolver down upon his head. Uncle John dropped to the floor like a log.
The action had been so sudden that neither Hal nor Chester had time to give a cry of warning, though both would have done so, in spite of Robard's command for them to remain quiet. As Uncle John fell, Chester stepped forward, but he was confronted by the barrel of Robard's gun.
"Stand back," said the Austrian.
Chester obeyed. There was nothing else he could do in the face of certain death should he refuse.
Now Robard called two of his men, and Uncle John was carried into an adjoining room. Robard motioned Hal and Chester in also.
Uncle John was laid upon the bed, and at a command from Robard, was tightly bound. Hal and Chester were also tied to chairs, after which Robard took his leave, saying:
"I'll see you the first thing in the morning."
"What are you going to do with us?" demanded Chester.
"I haven't decided yet," was the reply. "But wait. If you will return me the paper you took from me I shall let you all go now."
"It's too late," said Hal quietly. "I gave the paper to General Ferrari."
"I had surmised as much," said Robard. "Well, good-night."
He waved a hand airily and stepped from the room. Then he turned and poked his head back through the door.
"A word more," he said. "In case you should unloose your bonds, I would advise you not to try to escape. There will be a man on guard here in the hall all night, and another outside, so you cannot leave by the window."
"Thanks," said Hal dryly.
Robard withdrew his head and a key grated in the lock.
"Well, now what are we going to do?" asked Hal.
"You've got me," replied Chester. "Say, do you know this reminds me of old times—of the days in France, Belgium and Russia."
"You bet," agreed Hal, "and those were the good old days."
At this juncture Uncle John moaned feebly and his eyelids fluttered. A moment later the lids opened and he gazed at Hal and Chester curiously. Then the light of comprehension dawned upon his face and he spoke:
"So they have got us all, eh?"
"Yes, they've got us," replied Chester.
"The trouble will be to keep us," said Hal. "How do you feel, sir?"
"Not much," replied Uncle John. "What did he hit me with, a crowbar?"
"No, just a revolver butt," replied Chester, grinning.
"How did they happen to capture you boys?"
"We came back here looking for you, as soon as Hal had delivered the paper to General Ferrari," Chester explained.
"Your mothers are worried almost to death," said Uncle John.
"I'm afraid they will worry a whole lot more before we get out of here," said Chester. "I don't know what Robard will do with us."
"Perhaps we may see the Austrian ambassador," said Hal hopefully."Certainly he would stand for no such work as this."
"I don't know about that," said Chester. "They are likely to all be alike."
"Well, we shall just have to make the best of it," said Hal.
"By the way, Uncle John," said Chester, "you must be considerable of a fighter. You laid these fellows out in great shape a while ago."
"I did do a pretty fair job," admitted his uncle, "but they made me mad."
"I vote that we try to get a little sleep," said Hal. "It won't be very comfortable here in these chairs, but we shall have to make the best of it. Perhaps with the coming of daylight something will turn up."
Chester tugged at his bonds in vain.
"Can't budge 'em," he said.
Hal closed his eyes.
"I'm going to try to get forty winks," he said. "Good night."
Chester followed his friend's example, and Uncle John also composed himself to sleep. And in spite of their uncomfortable positions, presently all slumbered.
Hal was the first to awaken. The key turning in the lock of the door aroused him. Sunlight streamed in through the closed window. The face of Robard appeared in the door, and he entered the room.
"Good morning," he said.
At the sound of his voice, Chester and Uncle John opened their eyes.
"Good morning," replied Hal. "I trust you have come to liberate us."
"Of your bonds, yes," was the reply; "but I regret to say that I cannot set you free."
"What are you going to do with us?"
"Take you to Austria."
"To Austria! Great Scott! What for?"
"For no particular reason," said Robard, and his face suddenly took on a savage look, "except that you have thwarted me, and for that you shall pay. I shall probably lose my rank for my failure to obtain the papers, and if I do I want some one to take my spite out on. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly," replied Hal quietly. "It is very like a coward."
Robard took a threatening step forward.
"A coward, am I?" he cried in a loud voice.
He made as though to strike the lad, then suddenly changed his mind.
"I'll wait," he said. "I promise you shall regret those words before I am through with you."
"And when do we start?" asked Chester.
"To-night; after dark. A special train will be ready for the Austrian ambassador and his suite. You shall go with us. Of course the ambassador shall know nothing of your presence, for he would not permit me to work out a personal grudge in this way. I shall keep you out of his sight."
"The ambassador has been given his passports then?" asked Chester.
"He has, to Italy's sorrow. We shall wipe her off the map."
"Don't forget you have a pretty sizable job on your hands already," said Hal.
Robard made no reply, but turning on his heel, strode from the room.
As the boys had feared, they were given no opportunity to make a personal appeal to the Austrian ambassador. All day long they were kept in their improvised prison. They slept a little and talked a little, but try as they would they were unable to so much as loosen their bonds. But they all agreed on one thing, as expressed by Chester:
"We'll make a break for freedom at the first opportunity, no matter what the odds against us."
One of Robard's hirelings brought them a bite to eat about noon and again shortly after 6 o'clock. Darkness fell and still Robard himself had failed to appear.
"Maybe the time for departure has been postponed," said Chester.
"Hardly," replied Uncle John. "If the ambassador has been given his passports and has made arrangements to leave Italy he'll probably go at the appointed time."
It was at this juncture that footsteps were heard without. The key turned in the lock and a moment later Robard stood before them.
"Well," he said cheerfully, "all ready for your little trip?"
"We're not what you would call ready," replied Hal, with an attempt at levity, "but if you say it's time to move, we may as well agree with you."
"Your reasoning is to be commended," said Robard. He stepped to the door and raised his voice in a shout. A moment later a second man stood beside him. "Untie these fellows while I keep them covered," he ordered, at the same time producing a brace of automatics.
The man stepped forward and with a few quick movements relieved the prisoners of their bonds. He stepped back.
"Stand up!" commanded Robard, levelling his revolvers, "and mind, no tricks."
Hal, Chester and Uncle John obeyed. It was a wonderful relief to be on their feet again and be able to stretch their cramped muscles.
"By George! this feels better," said Chester.
"Rather," agreed Hal dryly.
Robard moved to one side of the room.
"Out you go," he said, motioning toward the door with his revolver, but still keeping the three covered.
"Which way?" asked Hal, playing for time.
"Out the door is all you need to know," was the reply. "You'll find pleasant company there."
One of the revolvers covered Hal threateningly.
Hal walked toward the door, followed by Chester and then Uncle John.Robard followed close behind, with his man at his heels.
Outside the door Hal led the way down the hall toward the front door, where he saw perhaps half a dozen other figures standing about. These proved to be more Austrians. Near the door Hal halted at a word of command from Robard and the three prisoners soon were surrounded. Their captors were all dressed in civilian attire, but from their military bearings, Hal and Chester concluded that they were Austrian army officers.
Robard turned to one who stood somewhat apart from the others.
"Everything ready?" he asked.
"All ready," was the reply. "The baggage has been sent on ahead of us and the train to Venice will leave within the hour."
"Good! And the ambassador?"
"Will be here within half an hour," was the answer.
Hal's heart leaped. Here, he thought, would be a chance to demand his freedom, and that of his companions. He was loath to believe that a man in the capacity of an ambassador would countenance such proceedings. But his hopes were doomed to disappointment.
Within the half hour mentioned, the door was flung suddenly open and a small man hurried in. He gazed quickly about him and then spoke to Robard.
"Everything ready?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," was Robard's answer.
The ambassador—for such the newcomer was—gazed rapidly about him. His eyes rested on Hal, Chester and Uncle John.
"Who are these?" he demanded with a wave of his hand in their direction.
"These," said Robard, taking a step forward, and throwing a warning look at the three prisoners, "are a trio who have too much knowledge of some of our plans. I thought it best to take them along, sir."
Hal took a quick step forward, but even as he opened his mouth to speak, he felt something cold pressed against the back of his neck by a hand from behind. He closed his lips and fell back.
The ambassador was silent a moment before replying. Then he said:
"You are sure you are not taking too much upon yourself? You are certain you are right in your surmise?"
"It is not a surmise, sir; it is a fact," returned Robard.
For another moment the ambassador hesitated. Then he said with a shrug of his shoulders:
"Very well then. Come; let us go."
He led the way out the door, the others following. Hal, Chester and Uncle John were kept closely in the center of the little knot of men as all made their way down the steps to where three large automobiles stood waiting at the curb. The ambassador and Robard climbed into the first, and Hal found himself separated from his friends as he was pushed into the second machine; Chester and Uncle John were in the third.
Twenty minutes later the three prisoners found themselves in a first class section on the special express for Venice, vigilantly guarded by two Austrians, who had been placed in charge of them after they had been securely tied up at Robard's command. Robard himself had entered another compartment with the ambassador.
"You'll be safer this way," the Austrian had said with a smile, after testing their bonds to make sure they were secure.
"Looks like we were pretty safe any way you might put us," repliedHal grimly.
"You Americans are pretty slippery customers; I won't take any chances with you," was the rejoinder, and Robard took his leave.
A few moments later a slight motion told the prisoners that the train had started.
"Well, here we go," said Chester with a laugh. "We've been started for the enemy's country in this manner before."
"Only on previous occasions our destination was Berlin instead ofVenice," replied Hal.
"Which is not our destination after all," said Uncle John. "Our true destination is back to the hotel where we left your mothers."
"And I am sure we shall reach it eventually," said Hal hopefully.
"How long does it take to get to Venice?" asked Chester.
"I don't know exactly," replied Uncle John. "But we shall be there by daylight surely."
"Perhaps we may get a chance to make a break for liberty," said Chester.
"Don't bank on that, Chester," replied Hal. "It looks as though these fellows do things a little more thoroughly than their German cousins. Still there is always a chance."
"While there's life there's hope, eh?" said Uncle John. "We'll see."
"In the meantime," said Hal, "we may as well try to get a little sleep."
"A good idea," agreed Chester. "Here goes."
He closed his eyes and was soon in the land of dreams. Hal and Uncle John followed suit.
How long they slept they did not know, but they were awakened by rough hands shaking them and the sound of gruff voices. Hal opened his eyes. Daylight streamed in through the windows of the compartment.
"Get up!" commanded a harsh voice.
Hal rubbed his eyes and called to Chester and Uncle John.
"What's the matter?" asked the latter sleepily.
"Venice, I guess," was the reply.
Again their bonds were removed, and under cover of the revolvers of their captors, which the latter kept concealed in their coats but which the three prisoners knew were ever ready, Hal, Chester and Uncle John stepped from the car.
The Austrian ambassador and Robard had alighted before them, and Hal could see them talking and gesticulating excitedly.
"Wonder what's up?" he muttered.
"Which way from here, do you suppose?" asked Chester.
"Trieste, I should say," replied Uncle John. "They will want to get over the border as soon as possible, and I guess they will head in that direction."
"My idea, too," agreed Hal.
What was their surprise, then, when, instead of boarding another train, as Hal had confidently believed would be done, the ambassador led the way into the station and then to the street beyond. Here Robard disappeared for a brief moment, and returning, motioned the ambassador and others to follow him.
Again the prisoners found themselves shoved into a large touring car, which started immediately in the wake of the one which bore Robard and the ambassador.
"Some funny business here, as sure as you're born," said Chester excitedly.
"Must be," declared Hal grimly. "Robard and the ambassador have something up their sleeves. Wonder if the Italian authorities are not on their guard. There is no telling what these fellows may do."
"I don't imagine the Italian authorities are watching them any too closely," remarked Uncle John. "You know men in such positions are supposed to be men of honor."
"Which the ambassador undoubtedly is," said Chester. "If there is anything wrong, you can take my word that Robard is the gentleman who is responsible for it."
"You have hit the nail on the head there, old fellow," agreed Hal.
After a ten-minute drive the machine came to an abrupt stop.
"Out you go," said a gruff voice in very poor English.
It was the voice of one of their captors and the prisoners obeyed.
Ahead, the ambassador and Robard were walking down the steps to the canal, and a few moments later a large closed gondola came toward them.
The ambassador entered, followed by Robard, and the prisoners found themselves aboard also a moment later. The gondola moved off.
"Well, what next?" demanded Chester.
"It's too deep for me," was the reply. "But we are going to learn something; that's sure. Perhaps it's a good thing we were captured and brought along. Who knows? we may be able to avert some mischief."
"Let us sincerely hope so," said Uncle John earnestly. "I know that you boys are experienced in this line of work, but you can count on me to the last ditch."
"You didn't need to tell us that, Uncle John," said Chester. "We knew it."
The gondola stopped.