“Suppose these fellows, who will be in guards’ uniform, should turn about and capture us.  What then?  We are strangers, and our story would not be believed.  They could slip away in the excitement and leave us in a very awkward position.”

“Harry, if we are going to hatch up all sorts of possibilities, let’s give up the thing right now.  I have thought of a thousand contingencies, and I realize how desperate the job is to be.  We must either cast discretion to the winds or we must retreat.  Which shall we do?”

“Cast aside discretion and hang our fears,” said the other, once more inspired.  “We’ll take chances and hope for the best.  If we see we are going to fail we can then call for the guards.  The grounds are doubtless full of soldiers.  The only part I’m worried about is the groping through that strange, dark castle.”

“We must do some calculating and we must stick close together.  By watching where they station the two Viennese we can figure about what direction we must take to get to the Princess’s room.  Sh!  Isn’t that some one approaching?”

They strained their ears for a moment and then involuntarily, spasmodically shook hands, each heaving the deep breath of excitement.  The stealthy rustle of moving bodies was heard, faint, but positive.  It was a moment of suspense that would have strained the nerve of a stone image.  Where were the abductors?  On which side of the road and from what direction did they come?  Oh, for the eyes of a cat!

There was a slight shuffling of feet near the gate, a suppressed “Sh?” and then deathly silence.  The gate opened, a faint creaking attesting the fact, followed by the heavy breathing of men, the noise of subdued activity, the scent of chloroform.  Some whispering, and then the creaking of the gate.

“They’ve gone,” whispered Anguish.  Lorry’s form arose to a crouching posture and a moment later he was crossing the road with the tread of a cat, his cane gripped firmly in his hard.  Anguish followed with drawn revolver.  So still was their approach that they were upon the figure of a man before they were aware of the fact.  In the darkness the foremost American saw the outline of a human figure bending over a long object on the ground.  He could smell chloroform strongly, and grasped the situation.  The Viennese was administering the drug, his companions having left that duty for him to perform.  No doubt the treacherous guardsman was lying calmly on his back, bound and gagged, welcoming unconsciousness with a smile of security.

As soon as Lorry gained his bearings fully he prepared to fell the wretch who was to stand watch.  Anguish heard his friend’s figure suddenly shoot to an erect position.  A whirring sound as of disturbed air and then a dull thud.  Something rolled over on the ground, and all was still.  He was at Lorry’s side in an instant.

“I hope I haven’t killed him,” whispered, Lorry.  “Quick!  Here is his bottle of ether.  Hold it beneath his nose.  I am going to pile the body of this guard crosswise on top of him.  He will not be able to arise if he should recover consciousness.”