“I have,” said Rollmar, “a difficult affair on hand.”
“Yes, Excellency?”
The other seemed to regard his eagerness with the half-contemptuous amusement a man will have for zeal to which he himself in a like position would be insensible.
“You are acquainted with this robber’s lair,” he gave an indicating jerk of the head, “the castle yonder?”
“I know every foot of it, from outside, Excellency.”
“Is it strong enough to defy assault?”
“From behind it could hold out against almost any force without artillery.”
“H’m! So the attack must be made in front?”
“Assuredly, Excellency. And even there it should be a tough nut to crack.”
“Nevertheless, Captain, it must be cracked, and without delay.”