"That is all right, but we want to put these men out of the way. They are walking right into your power."
"How?"
"We can claim that they are burglars and scare the life out of them almost, and we may scare the whole party—count and all—back to Germany."
"I don't think they mean to do me any harm. The count is not a bad man. He believes, however, that he has a right to the child. He has a legal right, I believe, and I propose to keep the child away from him, at least for the present."
"Then the best plan is to let him go back to Germany."
"I do not understand why these men seek to enter my house."
"They may think you have the child here, or it may be that they are thieves who have learned some facts from the count, and they may intend to rob you. At any rate, I have positive evidence that your house is to be invaded and I wish to place a guard here, and I will be at hand at the proper time. In these days, when so many strange crimes are occurring, it is always better to be on the right side every time."
"I believe you exaggerate the danger, but as I am in your hands for my own protection I will agree to any plan that you may propose."
"I will introduce two remarkable youths into your house. They will be accompanied by an immense hound. I ask you to permit them to do just as they think proper in adopting measures for the capture of two men who I am sure will make an attempt to enter your house. Afterward I will have much to reveal to you, but at present I know I am acting in your best interests and in the interests of your son."