The ambassador was unconscious still, although it was hours after he had been wounded.
"He's alive," said one of the Austrians, after an examination.
"Get some water," commanded the other.
At this moment Robard took a step forward, and seemed about to wrench himself free from his captor's arms.
"If you gentlemen will allow me," said Chester, "I shall make a suggestion that may save us all time and bother."
"Well?" demanded one of the men.
"If you'll give me the gun you deprived me of," said the boy, "I'll give my word to hold our friend here safe until the ambassador is brought back to consciousness. Also, I give my word not to attempt to escape."
The others eyed him closely for a brief moment.
"All right," said the man who had gone after the ambassador. "Here." He passed over his automatic.
Chester took it and covered Robard.