“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.

CHAPTER XI.

A plot is foiled.

“Out with you,” commanded one of their captors, when he saw that the ambassador and Robard had made their way up the short flight of steps.

No urging was necessary.  The prisoners, closely followed by their guards, made their way in the same direction.  A hundred yards ahead, they were suddenly turned to the left, where they caught sight of a small house.  Into this they were marched and then on into a room at the far end of the short hall.

“Guess you’ll be safe enough in there.  No need to tie you up,” said the voice of Robard, who came up at this moment.