From what became known afterward, both Kossuth and Captain Maynard might well repeat the thanksgiving speech.
Had they succeeded in running the gauntlet of the English spies, it would have been but a baneful triumph. In less than twenty hours after, they would have been both inside a French prison—Kossuth to be transferred to a more dangerous dungeon in Austria; his pretended master, perhaps, to pine long in his cell, before the flag of his country would be again extended for his extradition.
They did not enter upon the attempt; not even so far as getting into the cab that stood waiting at Kossuth’s gate. Before this preliminary step was taken, a man rushing into the house prevented their leaving it.
Chapter Seventy Four.
A Sham Insurrection.
It was Count Roseveldt who caused the change of programme, of which an explanation is needed.
Shortly before, the Count, forming one of the circle around Kossuth, had slipped quietly away from it—sent forth by Kossuth himself to reconnoitre the ground.
His knowledge of London life—for he had long lived there—caused him to be thus chosen.