"No, I guess not," was the reply. "My opinion is that Robard is up to something funny, and that he has enticed the ambassador here on some pretext or another."
"What do you think he is up to?" demanded Chester.
"If I knew I'd have told you a long while ago," said Hal. "Now, if we—"
He paused as Chester held up a warning hand. The latter moved toward the wall at the far end of the room as Hal eyed him curiously. The lad placed his ear against the wall, and listened intently for a moment; then he motioned Hal and Uncle John to approach.
"The ambassador and Robard are in the next room," he whispered. "I can hear them talking. Listen."
Hal and Uncle John also laid their ears to the wall.
"But," and the ambassador's voice came faintly to them, "such a thing as you suggest is dishonorable."
"What has that to do with it, sir?" came Robard's reply. "Our enemies would do the same thing had they the opportunity. All's fair in war, you know, sir."
"Not that," said the ambassador. "You must remember that until I have crossed the frontier I am still the ambassador to Italy. I am upon my honor to leave the country peaceably."
"But no one would know you had a hand in the matter, sir."