Part 39 (1/2)

”But n.o.body has tried our door yet,” said Carstairs, ”and it's a consoling thought.”

They lay a long time, and heard the continual thump of feet about the place. It suggested at first the thought of plunder, but when John peeped out he did not see anybody bearing things from the house. He beheld instead a sight that caused him to summon the others. A young man had ridden up, and, as he dismounted, all the officers, several of whom were in the uniform of generals, paid him marked deference.

”It's a prince,” whispered Carstairs. ”It may be the Crown Prince himself, but I can't say, the light isn't good enough.”

”And there are other princes behind him,” said Wharton. ”See the officers still kotowing. I didn't suspect that we had taken a room in a royal residence.”

”I'd give a lot to know what they're about,” said Carstairs. ”Something big must be afoot.”

”They're still moving about the house,” said John. ”We've got to wait.

That's all.”

They went back to their places on the floor, and waited as best they could, but they heard the sounds for a long time. After an interminable period they went back to the window and saw the prince and the cavalry riding away. The cannon too departed. A dozen Uhlans however remained posted on horseback about the house. The noises inside ceased.

”I can't make it out,” whispered Carstairs. ”Why should they go away and leave those Uhlans there guarding the house?”

”There must be something inside very precious to them,” replied John.

”But what is it? Apparently the house itself is abandoned by all save ourselves.”

”I don't know the answer, but my watch tells me it's far in the night.

We've had our sleep and rest, and we must try to slip by the Uhlans and get away. Now's the time too.”

”Right you are, John,” said Wharton, as he felt once more of his precious pocket. ”We can't linger, and risk being caught in a trap here.”

”But I hear somebody still moving about the chateau,” said Carstairs.

”Wait a minute, boys.”

He looked through the empty keyhole, and announced that he saw a faint light or the reflection of a light in the hall.

”Something's on foot,” he said. ”If their officers are sleeping here I should think they'd take the lower rooms, but it seems to me that they're fond of the top of the house, overfond of it.”

John who was peeping out at the window once more announced that the Uhlans were still keeping a vigilant watch. They were riding slowly back and forth, and he had no doubt there were others in the rear of the chateau.

”But I repeat we mustn't linger,” said Wharton. ”Suppose we hold our automatics ready and slip out.”

”Suits me,” said John, and he cautiously unlocked the door. The three with their hands on their weapons stepped into the hall, where they noticed the faint glimmer of light, of which Carstairs had spoken. They stood there silently for a moment or two, pressing themselves against the wall, where they would be in the shadow.

”I think the light comes from above,” said Carstairs. ”You'll notice that the little stairway leads upward, apparently to the roof.”

Wharton held up his hand, and the three were so still they scarcely breathed.

”Don't you hear it?” whispered Wharton. ”That sound from the roof, the sputtering and crackling.”

”I do hear it,” said John, listening with all ears. ”It's a faint sound, almost like the light crackling of fire. What does it mean Wharton?”

”The wireless.”

”The wireless?”