One link alone remained, and I thought my brain must give way under the strain.
Several of the hussars tossed restlessly, muttering unintelligible words, while here in the very midst of them, within a few yards of their leader himself, was this daring adventurer calmly setting free the victim of that leader's vengeance.
Twice, owing to a trooper's restlessness, he had to stop; but my unknown saviour was as patient as daring, and after each halt he resumed his work.
With the snapping of the last thread I felt as if I really must break into a fit of hysterical laughter, or waken Von Theyer by a defiant taunt; but, alas! my childish glee was soon over. As I was stealing cautiously away, Ober sprang to his feet.
In an instant two dark figures were grappling with each other, swaying this way and that; then a loud cry of "Treachery!" came from the Austrian; there was a swift flash of steel, and poor Ober sank, groaning.
"This way!" shouted my rescuer, and I darted after him towards the door.
The troopers jumping up tried to stop us, but the stranger knocked down several with some heavy weapon, and cleared a passage.
The confusion was tremendous, and the officers, coming from their apartment, vainly endeavoured to find its cause.
We were at the door, outside, free!
"Follow!" cried the stranger, without wasting words; but as he turned for the open country, dozens of troopers poured into the street.