He lay down on a couch at one end of the room and was soon asleep.
Two hours later he opened his eyes again. A drop lamp was lighted upon the table, which also contained a tray with a most appetizing supper of broiled squab, salad, ices and coffee. The boy arose, and for the first time explored the room.
The door was of oak, two inches thick, and was bolted upon the outside. Deciding that no personal violence was intended for the present, Jack thought he might as well fortify himself with a good meal.
As to his whereabouts he hadn’t the slightest idea. He had scarcely finished the squab, when the door was unlocked and a burly man with a blonde beard and the general appearance of a savant came in.
Carefully securing the door behind him, the visitor drew a chair up to the table and comfortably seated himself.
“I trust the supper is to your liking, Mr. Templeton? You have everything you wish?”
“Yes,” replied Jack, as he pushed back his chair; “and now, would an explanation of why I was brought here be in order?”
“Why, yes, I guess so,” was the reply.
“I’ll be glad to hear it,” said Jack.
“Well, I have been led to believe that, through the activity of England, the life of the Triple Alliance was snuffed out. I think that admission will do no harm; and while, of course, I might have snared a greater bird than you—a man higher up—I decided that you would not be so quickly missed.”