The fellow spoke so coolly that I could hardly keep from laughing, though, from my point of view, there was little humour in the situation.
However, my disappointment was not very keen, as I had hardly allowed myself to hope for success.
The Austrian, frightened a bit perhaps at seeing I did not think escape an impossibility, urged on his horse, resolved to keep within easy reach of his comrades.
Towards evening we entered the village where I had stayed the previous day, and Von Theyer ordered a halt.
The brigands had disappeared entirely, leaving no trace, and our horses were thoroughly done up.
I looked round eagerly in search of my four acquaintances, but in the whole place there was not a man except the landlord of the inn to be seen; evidently the male villagers did not appreciate a visit from the Austrian cavalry.
Von Theyer was, as my jailer had remarked, in a very ugly temper, and scowled at me savagely as Ober pulled up his weary horse.
"Put him in there," said he, pointing to the kitchen of the inn. "And don't forget it's your life or his."
Ober saluted and grinned.
"I'll take precious care it isn't mine, colonel," he answered.--"Here, Franz, lend me a hand."