"I don't imagine the Italian authorities are watching them any too closely," remarked Uncle John. "You know men in such positions are supposed to be men of honor."
"Which the ambassador undoubtedly is," said Chester. "If there is anything wrong, you can take my word that Robard is the gentleman who is responsible for it."
"You have hit the nail on the head there, old fellow," agreed Hal.
After a ten-minute drive the machine came to an abrupt stop.
"Out you go," said a gruff voice in very poor English.
It was the voice of one of their captors and the prisoners obeyed.
Ahead, the ambassador and Robard were walking down the steps to the canal, and a few moments later a large closed gondola came toward them.
The ambassador entered, followed by Robard, and the prisoners found themselves aboard also a moment later. The gondola moved off.
"Well, what next?" demanded Chester.
"It's too deep for me," was the reply. "But we are going to learn something; that's sure. Perhaps it's a good thing we were captured and brought along. Who knows? we may be able to avert some mischief."