The three went into the tangled mass of tree and shrub, and Max had no difficulty now in taking a pretty direct path to the opening of the tunnel. When the bushes were pulled aside, they revealed to the touch—for to see was impossible—an arch of crumbling brickwork not more than five feet high. Evidently a man could not walk upright through the tunnel.
"Did you ever get into the castle this way?" asked Harry.
"Yes, Monsieur, but it was fifteen years ago."
"So that the tunnel may be blocked now?"
"Certainly."
"Or it may be the haunt of wild beasts?"
"Nothing wilder than rabbits, I should think."
"Well, it is not too pleasant a task to crawl through there in the dark, but it must be done. Now, Max, you will return to the place where we left our horses; the landlord will go with you. Here is one of my pistols; you know what to do with it if need be. Wait for me there: if I do not come to you within say a couple of hours, ride to Urach, and tell the lieutenant of the guard what has happened."
Max hesitated.
"Let me go, Monsieur," he said. "Why should you run into the jaws of danger? They are desperate men, these brigands."