"Everything ready?" he asked.
"All ready," was the reply. "The baggage has been sent on ahead of us and the train to Venice will leave within the hour."
"Good! And the ambassador?"
"Will be here within half an hour," was the answer.
Hal's heart leaped. Here, he thought, would be a chance to demand his freedom, and that of his companions. He was loath to believe that a man in the capacity of an ambassador would countenance such proceedings. But his hopes were doomed to disappointment.
Within the half hour mentioned, the door was flung suddenly open and a small man hurried in. He gazed quickly about him and then spoke to Robard.
"Everything ready?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," was Robard's answer.
The ambassador—for such the newcomer was—gazed rapidly about him. His eyes rested on Hal, Chester and Uncle John.
"Who are these?" he demanded with a wave of his hand in their direction.