"How did he signal?" the surgeon asked.
"God knows."
"That Polish Count knew of this," murmured the haggard lieutenant, little thinking Ian was within earshot.
"Yes," said von Senborn savagely. "I'll swear to that. But I'll be even with him. Be quick, Surgeon, there's work to do yet."
"Serve him right to shoot him after all," put in the surgeon. Von Senborn laughed angrily.
"Shooting's too good." He lowered his voice. Strain his ears as he might, Ian only caught two words. But they were enough. He waited to hear no more.
He ran as fast as sore legs would carry him up to the house. Outside, not a soul. All the women and children, besides several men, were in the cellars.
"Get out at once," he shouted. "Run as hard as you can, along the Warsaw road."
"What is the matter?" asked the Countess.
"A Russian bricked up in the church tower. They are coming to blow us up, shutting you in first. Run as far from the house as possible."