“Mr. Lazar,” Captain Taylor began merrily, “Mr. Perry and Mr. Monroe wish to be convinced that we still hold the guns securely, so I have brought them to feast their eyes on their captured arms.”
“Aye, aye, sir,” replied Lazar smartly, leading the way into the legation.
The boys were welcomed by both Marshall and Morrison, who would have plied them with many anxious questions, but the lads were too impatient to see the boxes in the cellar of the legation.
The minister received the captain cordially. The latter explained his mission.
“When you have had a look below there,” the minister said, “I would like to see you in the office. I have news that may interest you.”
Reaching the cellar the lads saw Craig, looking pale and haggard, standing beside the boxes. He gave them a quick glance in which Phil thought he read terror. He had seen that same look on many human faces in the last few weeks.
Lazar picked up a hatchet and bared the contents of a box.
The lads peered in. There were the Colt guns: two barrels, two tripods and the accessory boxes.
Phil glanced up and caught Lazar’s eye. The latter smiled confidently.
“Are you satisfied?” he asked, a sneer in his voice.