“And your sympathies,” inquired the old man, “are with the Austrians?”
“Of course,” replied Hal quietly, “Russian barbarism must be wiped out.”
“Good!” replied the old man. “I suppose you know there is considerable sentiment in favor of the Russians, however?”
“I have heard something to that effect; but I could scarcely credit it,” replied Hal guardedly.
“Well,” said the old man, “it is true. A plot was discovered not two days ago to give the city into the hands of the Russians. The conspirators were arrested right here in my house. They were friends of mine. I was known to be loyal, and my false friends took advantage of that fact to do their plotting here. Now my house is watched closely, although they have hesitated to arrest me.”
The old man made the two comfortable for the night and left them. Before preparing for bed the lads talked over what the old man had told them. As they were getting ready to retire, they heard voices from an adjoining room.
Through a little hole in the wall they could see a stream of light. Hal put his eye to the hole. In the room beyond he made out the figures of two Austrian officers. Then the lad motioned to Chester to remain silent, and laid his ear to the hole.
“You are sure of this other plot?” came a voice.
“Perfectly; but we will nip it in the bud. There is no question but the people would welcome a Russian investment of the city. Galicia is practically in sympathy with the Russians. We have been hard put to it to keep them from rising and turning the city over to the Czar’s troops.”
“Well, I am sure we are equal to any occasion,” said the first speaker.