"I have found it ever a virtue." responded the newcomer.

"Have you secured your men?"

"I have, your--"

"Sh! Call me Michael, on your life! They are ready and willing
to undertake the venture?"

"Yes, but they do not understand the true conditions. I have
told them that we are to rob the castle and carry the booty to
Ganlook before morning."

"They do not know the real object of the raid, then. That is as
I desired. Are they trusty and experienced men?"

"The best--or the worst--that I could find in Vienna. Not one
understands our language, and they are so ignorant of our town
that they are entirely dependent on me. They know nothing
whatever of the Princess, Michael, and will do only as they are
told, realizing that if caught they will be guillotined. I have
told them it is the royal palace we are to rifle. Ostrom, here,
and I are the only ones, except yourself and the men who will
aid us inside the castle, who know the truth, sir."

"It cannot fail, unless those inside prove false or unworthy,"
said the hoarse-voiced Ostrom. Anguish's fingers were gripping
Lorry's leg so fiercely that the blood was ready to burst out,
but he did not feel the pain. Here, then, was some gigantic