De Froilette went quickly back to the Altstrasse, and it would appear that Captain Ward's estimate of his attitude was near the truth. He sent for Francois at once.
"The net is being drawn in, Francois," he said.
"Are we within it?"
"We shall easily escape," was the answer. "Is everything ready to depart at a moment's notice?"
"Yes, monsieur."
"Good. You carry a revolver, Francois?"
The man showed it to him.
"Good again. Captain Ellerey will return to Sturatzberg—may have done so already. That he has played us false we know, that he can give evidence against us is certain. Revenge and safety, therefore, lie in the same direction. Watch for him, Francois, as I shall, and silence him."
"And his servant?" asked the man.
"If your private quarrel with the servant leads you to do so, no harm will be done." And with a wave of the hand he dismissed him.