"Then you have sent it to Vienna," said Chester, somewhat crestfallen.
"Oh, no, I still have it right here," and Robard tapped the breast pocket of his coat.
"Thanks," said Chester. "I just wanted to know where you kept it."
"I suppose you think you are very smart," said the Austrian, somewhat angry at having betrayed himself.
"Smart enough, I guess," returned Chester.
"Come, I have had enough of this," exclaimed the Austrian. "Hold your hands up now, and march out of this room ahead of me."
He waved his revolver from one to the other, and stepped aside that the two might pass ahead of him. Uncle John and Chester obeyed his injunction and moved toward the door. The Austrian took a step after them.
It was at this moment that Hal came into action.
With a sudden spring he leaped upon the Austrian from behind. With one hand he seized the wrist that held the revolver, and turned it upward. With the other he clutched the man by the throat, shutting off his wind and preventing him from crying out. Hal called to Chester:
"Grab him!"