An orderly approached.

“Keep these fellows safe,” said the general.

“At least, sir, you will still take the precautions,” said Hal.

The general hesitated a moment.

“Yes,” he said finally, “you may at least have the satisfaction of knowing you have caused me to change my plans.  All precautions shall be taken.”

Hal and Uncle John were led away.

“I wonder what they have done with Chester?” said Uncle John.

“Whatever they have done will not be a circumstance to what they will do when Robard’s plot fails,” replied Hal.  “That’s why I was anxious not to antagonize the general.  If the wire goes through we will possibly be in time to save him, if not—­”

He broke off with a shrug.

“You mean—­” began Uncle John.

“I don’t know just what I mean,” replied Hal.  “I’m afraid.  That’s all.”

Both lapsed into silence.

When Chester opened his eyes in his improvised prison the evil face of Robard bent over him.  Chester sat up, stretched and then rose to his feet.

“Hello,” he said.  “Back again, I see.”

Robard scowled fiercely, but made no reply.

“Well, did you blow up the whole Italian army?” asked Chester with a pleasant smile.

Robard stretched out a hand suddenly and seized Chester by the wrist and with his other hand struck the lad heavily in the face.  Chester reeled back, but, recovering, promptly sent his right first into Robard’s face.

The lad thought for a moment of following up his advantage and attempting to escape, but before he could act, Robard whipped out a revolver and covered him.

“Stand back!” he ordered.

Chester stood still.

“I’ve a notion to kill you right here,” cried the Austrian furiously.  “What do you mean by hitting me?”

“What do you mean by hitting me?” demanded Chester.

“You young American upstart!” shouted the enraged Austrian.  “I’ll—­”

“I wouldn’t if I were you,” said Chester calmly, as Robard raised a heavy fist.  “You may be able to fight with a gun or a knife, but don’t come at me with your fists or I’ll spank you.”

If Chester’s object had been to enrage the Austrian he had succeeded.  Robard cast discretion to the winds, and, lowering his revolver, struck at the lad.

It was the chance for which Chester had been waiting and hoping.

He ducked under the heavy blow, and instead of returning it, he kicked out with his left foot.  His aim was true and Robard’s revolver fell to the floor with a clatter.  Chester pounced on it, beating the Austrian by the fraction of a second.  A moment later the Austrian struck him a heavy blow on the side of the face.

Chester became suddenly very angry—­not furiously and excitedly so, but his temper blazed up and his anger was quiet and deadly.  Calmly he blocked a second blow from his opponent and took the time to put the revolver hastily in his pocket.