"I see," said Hal, mentally thanking the man for the information, which had come a great deal easier than he had expected. "The Herr is a careful man. It is as it should be."
"You can make yourself at home here until he comes," said the servant.
"There are magazines and books. I have other matters to attend to."
"All right," said Hal, for he now wished to get rid of the man without more loss of time; he had gained all the information he could hope for without laying himself open to suspicion.
The man withdrew. Hal glanced at his watch.
"Ten-five," he muttered. "That means ten minutes to ten. Robard may come sooner than expected. I must hurry."
Quietly he arose and silently crossed the room. He tried the knob to the door of the next room. The door was locked. He glanced down. There was a key in the lock, and it turned easily. Hal unlocked the door and passed into the room beyond.
Quickly he crossed to the window, and then paused a moment, listening attentively. There was no sound. Unfastening the catch, the lad raised the window gently. It went up without so much as a sound. Hal poked his head out, and called in a low voice:
"All right."
He stepped back and drew his revolver and took his place in the shadow, commanding a view of both doors to the room.
He heard faint sounds without, and concluded rightly that Chester was giving Uncle John a hand up. A moment later Uncle John's head appeared at the window, and he clambered into the room. He was unable to see Hal in the darkness and called: