"It doesn't seem possible; but still you can't tell."
"But what are we going to do?"
"Do? There is nothing we can do. We'll have to stay here until they decide what to do with us. There is nothing else to do."
The boys kept up their conversation for some time, and the more they talked the more they became convinced that their plight was more serious than they had at first supposed. It seemed very plain to them now that Lord Hastings must believe in their guilt and that he would not raise a finger in their behalf.
It was after midnight and the boys were still talking when the key again turned in the lock of the heavy door. It swung inward and their captor entered.
"Down stairs," he said briefly, motioning them to march down ahead of him.
The lads obeyed this order.
There was no one in the room below; and the lads sat down before the fireplace to await whatever might transpire.
"There will be no use trying to escape," said their captor. "The place is surrounded. You would be shot down like dogs. Now just be as comfortable as you can. I have business elsewhere."
He wheeled about quickly and disappeared through the door and the lads heard him lock it after him.