“Dick is always turning up missing,” declared the colonel.
“But he always turns up safe again,” replied Mr. Willing.
“Oh, he’ll be back all right,” said the consul. “He can hardly have fallen into any danger this time.”
Fisher, the man who had trailed the conspirators to their lair, now summoned two automobiles, and the party climbed in. The trip to the house where the girls had been confined was made in record time, and a short distance away a halt was called.
General Seauterey and his men now took the lead, and surrounded the house. The general himself approached the door and knocked on it loudly. There was no response, but a second sharp knock brought a voice from behind the door. It was a woman’s voice and it said:
“What is wanted?”
“Open the door!” demanded the general.
“Who are you?”
“General Seauterey.”
There was an exclamation of dismay from within, and the sound of retreating footsteps. Again the general pounded on the door. There was no response and he called to two of his men.