The ambassador--for such the newcomer was--gazed rapidly about him. His
eyes rested on Hal, Chester and Uncle John.

"Who are these?" he demanded with a wave of his hand in their direction.

"These," said Robard, taking a step forward, and throwing a warning look
at the three prisoners, "are a trio who have too much knowledge of some
of our plans. I thought it best to take them along, sir."

Hal took a quick step forward, but even as he opened his mouth to speak,
he felt something cold pressed against the back of his neck by a hand
from behind. He closed his lips and fell back.

The ambassador was silent a moment before replying. Then he said:

"You are sure you are not taking too much upon yourself? You are certain
you are right in your surmise?"

"It is not a surmise, sir; it is a fact," returned Robard.

For another moment the ambassador hesitated. Then he said with a shrug of
his shoulders:

"Very well then. Come; let us go."

He led the way out the door, the others following. Hal, Chester and Uncle
John were kept closely in the center of the little knot of men as all
made their way down the steps to where three large automobiles stood
waiting at the curb. The ambassador and Robard climbed into the first,