Into this they were marched and then on into a room at the far end of the
short hall.

"Guess you'll be safe enough in there. No need to tie you up," said the
voice of Robard, who came up at this moment.

The door slammed, a key grated harshly and the prisoners were left alone.

"Now what in the name of all that's wonderful do you suppose this means?"
asked Chester. "Think they are going to leave us here to starve or perish
of thirst?"

"No, I guess not," was the reply. "My opinion is that Robard is up to
something funny, and that he has enticed the ambassador here on some
pretext or another."

"What do you think he is up to?" demanded Chester.

"If I knew I'd have told you a long while ago," said Hal. "Now, if we--"

He paused as Chester held up a warning hand. The latter moved toward the
wall at the far end of the room as Hal eyed him curiously. The lad placed
his ear against the wall, and listened intently for a moment; then he
motioned Hal and Uncle John to approach.

"The ambassador and Robard are in the next room," he whispered. "I can
hear them talking. Listen."

Hal and Uncle John also laid their ears to the wall.