But he didn't give it, did he?"

"No, he didn't; and that's what seems so strange. It looks to me as
though we are in for a peck of trouble."

"Say! you heard what Lord Hastings said about 'selling out.' Do you
think he believes us guilty of such a thing?"

"It's hard to tell what a man believes in times like these. Men have
been stood up against a wall and shot on less evidence. You remember
taking a shot at the other boat, don't you?"

"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.

There was no one in the room below; and the lads sat down before the
fireplace to await whatever might transpire.

"There will be no use trying to escape," said their captor. "The place
is surrounded. You would be shot down like dogs. Now just be as
comfortable as you can. I have business elsewhere."

He wheeled about quickly and disappeared through the door and the lads
heard him lock it after him.

"Well, why are we allowed to sit here in solitary glory?" asked Frank.

"Ask me something easy," returned Jack. "We're here; that's all I know
about it. However, I don't imagine we shall be here alone very long."

And he was right, although the first corner could not possibly have been
in his mind, nor the nature of his coming.

Jack's attention was attracted toward the window by a slight squeaky
sound. The lad glanced toward it, but no second sound followed
immediately.

"Sounded like some one at the window," he said to Frank.

"I didn't hear