"Well, what next?" demanded Chester.

"It's too deep for me," was the reply. "But we are going to learn
something; that's sure. Perhaps it's a good thing we were captured and
brought along. Who knows? we may be able to avert some mischief."

"Let us sincerely hope so," said Uncle John earnestly. "I know that you
boys are experienced in this line of work, but you can count on me to the
last ditch."

"You didn't need to tell us that, Uncle John," said Chester. "We knew
it."

The gondola stopped.




CHAPTER XI.

A PLOT IS FOILED.


"Out with you," commanded one of their captors, when he saw that the
ambassador and Robard had made their way up the short flight of steps.

No urging was necessary. The prisoners, closely followed by their guards,
made their way in the same direction. A hundred yards ahead, they were
suddenly turned to the left, where they caught sight of a small house.