“Now, if there are no remarks, I shall declare this meeting adjourned.”
There were no remarks. Apparently no man present had anything to say.
“But before you go, to begin your respective tasks,” said the count, “I shall ask each man present to pass before me and remove his hat, that I may make sure there is no traitor nor spy among us to-night. I should know the face of every man present and I should know whether he is entitled to be here. You will please walk before me on your way out.”
“Great Scott!” muttered Jack to himself. “I’m in for it now. I am sure to be recognized and the count will hardly accept any explanation I may make. Worse, if discovered, I shall be unable to give the warning and the plot will succeed.”
The lad’s lips set grimly.
“There is always a fighting chance,” he told himself quietly, remembering the remark Lord Hastings had so recently made to Frank. “Well, they’ll know I have been here before I go down.”
He thrust his hands into his pockets and grasped a revolver securely with each. Then he followed the line of men who were passing before Count Blowinski.
The single light in the room was right above the count’s head and it fell squarely upon each man’s head as he passed before the count. Behind Jack came other men.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE FIGHT IN THE PASSAGE.
A form pressed Jack closely from behind.