the ambassador.

"Some funny business here, as sure as you're born," said Chester
excitedly.

"Must be," declared Hal grimly. "Robard and the ambassador have something
up their sleeves. Wonder if the Italian authorities are not on their
guard. There is no telling what these fellows may do."

"I don't imagine the Italian authorities are watching them any too
closely," remarked Uncle John. "You know men in such positions are
supposed to be men of honor."

"Which the ambassador undoubtedly is," said Chester. "If there is
anything wrong, you can take my word that Robard is the gentleman who is
responsible for it."

"You have hit the nail on the head there, old fellow," agreed Hal.

After a ten-minute drive the machine came to an abrupt stop.

"Out you go," said a gruff voice in very poor English.

It was the voice of one of their captors and the prisoners obeyed.

Ahead, the ambassador and Robard were walking down the steps to the
canal, and a few moments later a large closed gondola came toward them.

The ambassador entered, followed by Robard, and the prisoners found
themselves aboard also a moment later. The gondola moved off.