The die was cast, Buckmaster decided. He'd play it to the hilt now, all or nothing. He sprinted across the dirt of the alley and jerked open a door of the carriage. He threw himself inside and hugged the floor.
Soon the carriage began to roll. When they had travelled about a half block it stopped. Buckmaster drew in his breath. This was the critical point. If Gamoll could bluff his way through now the rest would be comparatively easy.
"Give me an escort, Captain," he heard Gamoll say. "I don't want to get tied up here. I understand there's going to be some shooting soon."
"That's right, sir," a crisp military voice answered. "It's best that you get out fast. I'll send one of my men with you."
The carriage started forward again. A half-hour later it stopped once more.
"You may get up now," Gamoll said. "We're going inside. Stay close to me."
"Buckmaster was not surprised when he alighted and found himself near a side door to the General's private residence.
"I don't get all this," Buckmaster said. "You've had me here for six days now, and I've only seen you twice. Why should the General's son be hiding me?"
"Quite simple. I don't like his methods, or his government, any more than you do. Oliver knew that when he sent his message to me asking for help."