"Let us sincerely hope so," said Uncle John earnestly. "I know that you boys are experienced in this line of work, but you can count on me to the last ditch."
"You didn't need to tell us that, Uncle John," said Chester. "We knew it."
The gondola stopped.
CHAPTER XI.
A PLOT IS FOILED.
"Out with you," commanded one of their captors, when he saw that the ambassador and Robard had made their way up the short flight of steps.
No urging was necessary. The prisoners, closely followed by their guards, made their way in the same direction. A hundred yards ahead, they were suddenly turned to the left, where they caught sight of a small house. Into this they were marched and then on into a room at the far end of the short hall.
"Guess you'll be safe enough in there. No need to tie you up," said the voice of Robard, who came up at this moment.
The door slammed, a key grated harshly and the prisoners were left alone.
"Now what in the name of all that's wonderful do you suppose this means?" asked Chester. "Think they are going to leave us here to starve or perish of thirst?"