"You! But you are so young for such a piece of work."
"Don't you believe it, general," Major Derevaux interrupted. "If the papers can be recovered, these lads can get them. You could not put the mission in better hands."
"But the danger—"
"We have been in danger before, sir," said Chester quietly.
The general considered a moment, and then brought a hand down on his desk with tremendous force.
"So be it!" he exclaimed. "And if you are successful, Italy will know how to reward you."
"We seek no reward, sir," said Hal quietly. "Then we are at liberty to go now, sir?"
"Yes. I shall not hamper you with instructions."
"All we wish to know, sir," said Hal, "is whether Robard still is at the
Austrian embassy."
"He is," was the reply, "and will be until some time to-morrow, when the ambassador will be given his passports."