CHAPTER XII.
THE BOYS MAKE PROGRESS.
The two following days passed without incident. Frank and Jack remained in the palatial home of Count Blowinski as honored guests. What excuse the count had given his subordinates for releasing them and giving the freedom of the house and of the city itself, the lads did not know; it was sufficient that he had done so. They went and came without question.
It was on the evening of the third day—shortly before the supper hour—that Jack, passing the door of the count’s private office, caught a word or two from within that caused him to prick up his ears. He stopped and listened.
“To-night at eight, then,” came the words in a voice he did not recognize.
“To-night at eight,” repeated Count Blowinski. “Be there without fail. I expect a full attendance, for it is quite likely that plans of importance will be discussed. You know the password?”
“Yes, your Excellency. ‘The Czar’ only spoken in German.”
“Exactly; and the knock?”
“Five sharp taps, a loud tap and two short taps.”
“Good. At eight then.”
Jack flitted silently down the hall and turned into a room just as the door to the count’s quarters opened. The lad was afraid to take the risk of trying to get a look at the count’s visitor, for had he been detected, he did not know what might happen. He made his way to the quarters assigned him and Frank, where he sat down to await his chum’s return.