Take the near path for the
woods and strike northeast. If you run into any sentries it will
be your own fault."
"And the army?"
"The army? Who the devil has said anything about the army?"
"I heard it go past last night."
"Humph! Keep to the right of the pass. Now, quick, before my
conscience speaks above a whisper."
"I should like to see the countess."
"You will--if you reach Bleiberg by to-morrow night."
Maurice needed no further urging, and soon he had the Colonel
securely bound and silenced. Next he put on the Colonel's hat
and coat, and examined the revolver.
"It was very kind of you to load it, Colonel."
The Colonel blinked his eyes.
"Au revoir!" said Maurice, as he made for the door. "Vergis mein
nicht!" and he was gone.
He crept down the stairs, cautiously entered the court, it was
deserted. The moon was up and shining. The gate was locked, but
he climbed it without mishap. Not a sentry was in sight. He
followed the path, and swung off into the forest. He was free.
Here he took a breathing spell. When he started onward he held
the revolver ready. Woe to the sentry who blundered on him! For
he was determined to cross the frontier if there was a breath of
life in him.
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