They went back to their places on the floor, and waited as best they could, but they heard the sounds for a long time. After an interminable period they went back to the window and saw the prince and the cavalry riding away. The cannon too departed. A dozen Uhlans however remained posted on horseback about the house. The noises inside ceased.
"I can't make it out," whispered Carstairs. "Why should they go away and leave those Uhlans there guarding the house?"
"There must be something inside very precious to them," replied John.
"But what is it? Apparently the house itself is abandoned by all save ourselves."
"I don't know the answer, but my watch tells me it's far in the night. We've had our sleep and rest, and we must try to slip by the Uhlans and get away. Now's the time too."
"Right you are, John," said Wharton, as he felt once more of his precious pocket. "We can't linger, and risk being caught in a trap here."
"But I hear somebody still moving about the château," said Carstairs. "Wait a minute, boys."
He looked through the empty keyhole, and announced that he saw a faint light or the reflection of a light in the hall.
"Something's on foot," he said. "If their officers are sleeping here I should think they'd take the lower rooms, but it seems to me that they're fond of the top of the house, overfond of it."
John who was peeping out at the window once more announced that the Uhlans were still keeping a vigilant watch. They were riding slowly back and forth, and he had no doubt there were others in the rear of the château.