“I have a scheme that may answer,” said Harry. And he whispered the scheme in Wamby’s ear.
Wamby pondered a minute. “It’s very bold,” he said, “but it strikes me as the only course open to us. Let us try it.”
Then, returning and addressing the soldiers: “Do you fellows know the way to the Grand Royal Reception Hall?”
The soldiers consulted together a moment, and then one of them stepped forward, and answered, “I know the way.”
“I want you to lead us there,” said Wamby. “If we succeed in what we are about to attempt, I promise that each one of you fifty will be well rewarded. If we fail, you will be no worse off than you are now. Will you conduct us?”
The spokesman nodded, and answered boldly, “We will. We are under your orders.”
They forthwith proceeded under the guidance of the spokesman, and soon came to a large chamber, somewhat broader than the one containing the trap-door. Here the soldier stopped, and pointing to a passageway at the other end of the chamber, said in a low tone, “The Hall is at the end of that short passageway. The door is the one you may have seen on the left of the King, near the throne. There are two soldiers guarding the door, but if you will permit one of my companions and myself to go to them alone, I think we can entice them to this room, and you can capture them.”
Wamby looked at him sharply. “I’ll trust you,” said he; “take a man with you, and go.”
When they had gone, Wamby ordered the elves to stand along the walls so as not to be seen by any one in the passageway, and then he placed his fifty armed men on each side of the entrance.
After a little silent waiting, the two soldiers came running into the chamber, followed closely by the two guards. The latter of course were speedily captured, disarmed, and bound.