gerous issue of forged bonds in Paris. Claiborne had
been carefully coached by his father, and he answered the questions of
the officers readily:

"If these men give you any trouble, put them under arrest in the nearest
jail. We can bring them back here for attempted murder, if nothing worse;
and these mountain juries will see that they're put away for a long time.
You will accompany them on board the _George W. Custis_, and stay with
them until you reach Cape Charles. A lighthouse tender will follow the
steamer down Chesapeake Bay and take you off. If these gentlemen do not
give the proper orders to the captain of the steamer, you will put them
all under arrest and signal the tender."

Chauvenet and Durand had been brought out and placed in the buckboard,
and these orders were intended for their ears.

"We will waive our right to a writ of _habeas corpus_," remarked Durand
cheerfully, as Claiborne flashed a lantern over them. "Dearest Jules, we
shall not forget Monsieur Claiborne's courteous treatment of us."

"Shut up!" snapped Chauvenet.

"You will both of you do well to hold your tongues," remarked Claiborne
dryly. "One of these officers understands French, and I assure you they
can not be bought or frightened. If you try to bolt, they will certainly
shoot you. If you make a row about going on board your boat at Baltimore,
remember they are government agents, with ample authority for any
emergency, and that Baron von Marhof has the American State Department at
his back."

"You are wonderful, Captain Claiborne," drawled Durand.

"There is no trap in this? You give us the freedom of the sea?" demanded
Chauvenet.

"I gave you the option of a Virginia prison for conspiracy to murder, or
a run for your life in your own boat beyond the Capes. You have chosen
the second alternative; if you care to change your decision--"

Oscar gathered up the reins and waited for the word. Claiborne held his
watch to the lantern.

"We must not miss our train, my dear Jules!" said Durand.

"Bah, Claiborne! this is ungenerous of you. You know well enough this is
an unlawful proceeding--kidnapping us this way--without opportunity for
counsel."

"And without benefit of clergy," laughed Claiborne. "Is it a dash for the
sea, or the nearest county jail? If you want to tackle the American
courts, we have nothing to venture. The Winkelried crowd are safe behind
the bars in Vienna, and publicity can do us no harm."

"Drive on!" ejac