This time it was little more than a hoarse whisper which came from the young man.
The others appeared satisfied.
The old man arose, and moving out from behind the table, went up to the youth and gave him a solemn embrace.
The good-natured giant followed, and took advantage of the opportunity to whisper in his comrade’s ear—
“Keep up a good heart, my boy; and if you want help, rely on us.”
Then Johann made a step forward, but stopped short.
He was interrupted by an unexpected sound.
The noise of hurrying feet was heard in the passage outside, and was instantly followed by a succession of low distinct taps on the bottom panel of the door.
The four men simultaneously raised their heads and exchanged glances of inquiry and alarm. Only on the face of one of them, he who held the sealed weapon beneath his dress, was the look of dread chequered by a faint expression of relief.
The next moment Johann moved towards the door.