One of the hussars, turning about in his sleep, had brought himself close to the feet of the Austrian Franz, and by a series of wriggling movements was constantly changing his position.
Of course I could not see him plainly, but I could tell that the dark figure was moving, though very, very slowly, until it reached my head.
I lay perfectly still, save for the violent beating of my heart, which would not be controlled.
What did this by-play mean?
Naturally, perhaps, my first thoughts flew to Von Theyer. But then he had no need of foul play. By twisting his orders a little he could easily justify himself in swinging me up, and who was ever likely to question his action?
No, it could not be Von Theyer; but that only deepened the mystery.
Very stealthily a hand crept from the folds of the cloak, and in the fingers was something which glistened.
At this my heart gave one great throb, and then seemed to cease beating.
The glittering object was a long, straight knife, and as the sheen of it fell across my eyes I tried, but tried in vain, to shout for help.
"Be still!"