"Who are you and what do you want?" said the old fellow, putting out his head again.
"I order you in the name of the Queen to do as I have said," I answered, rather liking the sound of the formula. It served my purpose, for the man drew in his head muttering he would be down in a minute.
"Are you sure this is the house?" I asked the girl Marie.
"Positive. I will lead you straight to the room," she returned.
I waited impatiently until I heard some one fumbling with the fastenings of the door, and after a minute it was opened by the old man, partially dressed and yawning heavily.
"I have come for the Baroness Gratz and her companion," I said sharply as I stepped into the hall. "Let them be roused at once."
"There's no baroness here," said the man.
"Who is in the house, then?" I asked.
The old fellow looked at me shrewdly.
"There are more than enough to guard it; but there are no ladies," he answered.