"Looks like it," said John, "but I've a notion that we're safe here unless they conclude to burn the house. The German advance is so rapid it doesn't seem likely to me they'll stay longer than tonight."
"Still I can't sleep."
John laughed to himself. He was becoming so thoroughly hardened to danger that the complaint of Carstairs amused him.
"They've got an affection for the top of the house," said Wharton, "You can hear them pounding through the upper rooms, and even on the roof."
"But nobody has tried our door yet," said Carstairs, "and it's a consoling thought."
They lay a long time, and heard the continual thump of feet about the place. It suggested at first the thought of plunder, but when John peeped out he did not see anybody bearing things from the house. He beheld instead a sight that caused him to summon the others. A young man had ridden up, and, as he dismounted, all the officers, several of whom were in the uniform of generals, paid him marked deference.
"It's a prince," whispered Carstairs. "It may be the Crown Prince himself, but I can't say, the light isn't good enough."
"And there are other princes behind him," said Wharton. "See the officers still kotowing. I didn't suspect that we had taken a room in a royal residence."
"I'd give a lot to know what they're about," said Carstairs. "Something big must be afoot."
"They're still moving about the house," said John. "We've got to wait. That's all."