“But it is true,” declared the count. “And your courage and resourcefulness is commended to me. Yes, I shall have use for you.”
“We are at your service, your Excellency,” said Jack.
The count moved toward the door.
“I shall have to leave you here for a time,” he said. “It may be an hour, it may be six. Things cannot be done in a minute without arousing suspicion, in spite of my rank. However, I shall have you out as soon as I possibly can, for I would converse with you further. Good-bye.”
He passed out and again summoned the jailer, whom he ordered to relock the door. This done, the two moved away.
“Well, he swallowed it,” said Frank, after he was sure the count was out of hearing.
“I should say he did,” Jack agreed. “I didn’t imagine it would be so easy.”
“Nor I; but we have the hardest part of the work still ahead of us.”
“And we shall carry it to a successful conclusion,” said Jack.
“Or know the reason why,” added Frank.