"Yes, but----"

"'Buts' won't help us any, I'm afraid. I can't account for Lord
Hastings' actions, but you may be sure he has good reasons for whatever
he does. It may even be true that he suspects us."

"By George! I don't believe that," exclaimed Frank.

"It doesn't seem possible; but still you can't tell."

"But what are we going to do?"

"Do? There is nothing we can do. We'll have to stay here until they
decide what to do with us. There is nothing else to do."

The boys kept up their conversation for some time, and the more they
talked the more they became convinced that their plight was more serious
than they had at first supposed. It seemed very plain to them now that
Lord Hastings must believe in their guilt and that he would not raise a
finger in their behalf.

It was after midnight and the boys were still talking when the key again
turned in the lock of the heavy door. It swung inward and their captor
entered.

"Down stairs," he said briefly, motioning them to march down ahead of
him.

The lads obeyed this order.