Jack glanced quickly about him and the move was not lost upon the count. Still the lad seemed undecided and protested his innocence in vigorous terms, in which Frank joined. Count Blowinski laughed softly.
“I like you two,” he declared. “You are cautious, which is a trait to be admired in these troublous times. But I assure you I am the man for whom the papers are intended. Give them to me. I shall see that you are released and I shall have use for you myself.”
“If we could but be sure,” said Jack, “then we could deliver our message.”
“It is verbal, you mean?” demanded the count.
“How else?” queried Frank.
“Good, then tell me.”
“If you will prove to our satisfaction that you are really Count Blowinski, we shall do so,” said Jack. “I see it is useless to profess ignorance any longer.”
For answer the count stepped to the door of the cell and raised his voice in a call for the jailer. The latter hurried forward.
“Tell these prisoners who I am,” ordered the count.
“You are Count Blowinski, your Excellency,” replied the man.