story would not be believed. They could slip away in the
excitement and leave us in a very awkward position."

"Harry, if we are going to hatch up all sorts of possibilities,
let's give up the thing right now. I have thought of a thousand
contingencies, and I realize how desperate the job is to be. We
must either cast discretion to the winds or we must retreat.
Which shall we do?"

"Cast aside discretion and hang our fears," said the other, once
more inspired. "We'll take chances and hope for the best. If we
see we are going to fail we can then call for the guards. The
grounds are doubtless full of soldiers. The only part I'm
worried about is the groping through that strange, dark castle."

"We must do some calculating and we must stick close together.
By watching where they station the two Viennese we can figure
about what direction we must take to get to the Princess's room.
Sh! Isn't that some one approaching?"

They strained their ears for a moment and then involuntarily,
spasmodically shook hands, each heaving the deep breath of
excitement. The stealthy rustle of moving bodies was heard,
faint, but positive. It was a moment of suspense that would have
strained the nerve of a stone image. Where were the abductors?
On which side of the road and from what direction did they come?
Oh, for the eyes of a cat!

There was a slight shuffling of feet near the gate, a suppressed
"Sh?" and then deathly silence. The gate opened, a faint