"I never heard the name," came the clear voice of the Italian. "My friends are well known to Lord Saxondale. He remembers Count Sallaconi and the Duke of Laselli. Two men from Brussels are also here--Captains Devereaux and Ruz."
"I recognize the prince's voice," said Saxondale, unlocking the gate. "Come inside, gentlemen," he said, as he stood before the group. "Sorry to have kept you waiting, you know, but it is wise to be on the safe side. So you are looking for some one who is in my castle? May I inquire the name of that person?"
"You know very well, Lord Saxondale," said Ugo, now taking the lead. He stood boldly, defiantly before the Englishman.
"Carmenita Malban is dead, your excellency," said Bob, coolly.
"I do not know what you are talking about, sir," grated the prince. "Dorothy Garrison is here, held against her will, and I, her affianced husband, command you to surrender her."
"Have you the authority to take her, if I refuse to obey?" asked the other, with exasperating coolness.
"These officers have the authority to arrest you and to take her from your hands, violently, if necessary."
"Oh, well, that makes a difference, of course. Miss Garrison is here, Prince Ravorelli, but I doubt your authority to take her away."
"There is a reward for her, dead or alive," said Count Sallaconi, savagely.
"And for the abductors," added the burly man from Luxemburg. "I shall have to place you under arrest, my lord."
"One moment, my good man. Miss Garrison is her own mistress, I believe?" addressing the prince.
"I'm sure I don't know, but it may be important. If you will kindly request your followers to remain in the courtyard, you may enter the castle and converse with Miss Garrison herself, Prince Paves--I should say Ravorelli." There was a wild, hunted look in the Italian's eyes, and there was murder in his heart. "I will ask you and the count and the duke and Officer Luxemburg to come with me."
With rare dignity Lord Saxondale strode across the flags and deliberately threw open the huge castle door. After a moment of indecision and not a little trepidation, Prince Ugo followed, with his two countrymen not far behind. The Luxemburg officer gave hurried instructions to his men and took his place among the favored few.