"By George! this feels better," said Chester.
"Rather," agreed Hal dryly.
Robard moved to one side of the room.
"Out you go," he said, motioning toward the door with his revolver, but still keeping the three covered.
"Which way?" asked Hal, playing for time.
"Out the door is all you need to know," was the reply. "You'll find pleasant company there."
One of the revolvers covered Hal threateningly.
Hal walked toward the door, followed by Chester and then Uncle John.
Robard followed close behind, with his man at his heels.
Outside the door Hal led the way down the hall toward the front door, where he saw perhaps half a dozen other figures standing about. These proved to be more Austrians. Near the door Hal halted at a word of command from Robard and the three prisoners soon were surrounded. Their captors were all dressed in civilian attire, but from their military bearings, Hal and Chester concluded that they were Austrian army officers.
Robard turned to one who stood somewhat apart from the others.