“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.