“This is to the postern,” he said; “it’s smaller than the others, so it could be carried more easily, you know, sir—these brass tags, sir, show where they belong.”
The Archduke looked them over.
“I don’t see the key from the library to the secret passage,” he said.
“There is none, sir; the big stone in the middle of the side wall of the library, and the one on the right just inside the postern arch, revolve when pushed at the upper edge—this way, Your Highness,” and he demonstrated, using a book as the stone.
“Thank you, Jessac,” said Armand, with a smile and a nod of dismissal; “we may want you again to-morrow. I’ll keep the keys,” and he swept them into a drawer of the desk.
Then the Constable withdrew, and for a while Armand and Moore studied the plan, and went over the problem confronting them; and which, though greatly simplified now, was still difficult and delicate beyond anything either had ever been obliged to solve. Perilous it was, too—but that neither regarded for himself; and Moore would gladly have assumed it alone could he have insured thereby the Archduke’s safety.
Through it all the Princess watched them, harkening carefully to what was said, and saying a few things herself, mainly in the shape of questions which showed that, even if to her the draft did resemble an embroidery pattern, she was astonishingly apt at following the discussion. But when Armand remarked that he would make the attempt that very night, she interposed promptly.
“Wait until to-morrow,” she urged; “take at least one night’s rest; you need it; and the extra day may disclose something as to the situation in Lotzen Castle.”
“To-night is the proper time,” said the Archduke; “we may not be expected then; we shall be most assuredly to-morrow; it’s our one chance for a surprise.”
“And with our dear cousin that chance is no chance, as you are very well aware,” said she; “he knows you are here, and why you are here, and he is ready for you this instant. No, no, dear, it’s simply your natural impetuosity, which I came along to moderate; and here is my first veto: not to-night.” She put her hand on his arm. “Please, Armand, please; don’t you understand—I want to be sure of you a little longer; the day you enter Lotzen Castle may be our last.”