CHAPTER VIII.
“Go back to the city at once, and report here to-morrow afternoon at four o’clock,” said Posadowski to Svolak, the gate having been opened by Rudolph and the carriage drawn up in front of the lodge.
The arch-conspirator had left Posnovitch to guard the crown prince inside the vehicle.
“Who is with you?” he asked hastily of Rudolph, as he placed his hand on the handle of the carriage door.
“Ludovics,” whispered the lodge-keeper, very softly. “Look out for him. He is drunk and desperate.”
A few moments later the four Rexanians—Posadowski, Posnovitch, Rudolph, and Ludovics—surrounded Prince Carlo in the parlor of the lodge. The prince’s face was pale, but his mouth bore a determined expression and his gleaming eyes did not flinch as he gazed searchingly at his captors in the dim light of the inhospitable apartment.
“I repeat, your royal highness,” said Posadowski, impressively, “that you are among friends or enemies as you choose to make us. We are your friends if you will conform readily to our wishes. We are your enemies if you offer resistance.”
“Milk and water,” muttered Ludovics sullenly. Posadowski glanced angrily at the overwrought revolutionist, but said nothing.
“I am to understand,” remarked the prince, haughtily, “that I am your prisoner, and that I can obtain my freedom only under certain conditions.”