“And is the valet Constant one of the conspirators?”

“He is, and he will be on duty during the night in the anteroom of the bedchamber.  In this way the emperor’s disappearance will be concealed until the next morning, and the matter will not become known until the following day at nine o’clock, when the generals arrive.  What will happen then, whether Eugene is declared emperor or the Bourbons are again summoned to the throne, will depend upon what occurs in France, and what effect the emperor’s disappearance has upon the minds of the people there.  We need not trouble ourselves about it for the present; it does not belong to the business which occupies our attention.”

“No, no, we have to deal only with the emperor,” cried Schulmeister, laughing, “and I can tell you that I am as anxious about the progress of this matter as if it were the development of a drama, and that I am extremely curious to know what more is to be done with the gagged emperor.  We have left him in the hut.”

“Yes, and he will remain there until the night has closed in.  Then Baron von Moudenfels and two other conspirators, disguised as workmen, will convey him in a basket standing ready in the hut, such as are used in the transportation of the sick to the place in the woods where a carriage will be waiting for the basket and its companions.  They will ride all night long, relays will be ready everywhere at the appointed spots, and, when morning dawns, they will have reached the house of a conspirator near Gratz, and spend the day there.  At nightfall the journey will be continued in the same way, and so, constantly traveling by night and resting by day in the house of a conspirator, until Trieste is reached.  To be prepared for all casualties, a French passport for the transportation of an invalid to Trieste has been obtained.  Count Andreossy issued it at the request of Colonel Mariage, and for greater security, Captain de Guesniard, in full uniform and provided with the necessary legal documents, will accompany the party to Trieste.”

“Who are to be the other companions of the captive emperor?”

“Three more persons will accompany him.  First, Baron Moudenfels, the originator and instigator of the whole plan.  Then there are two subaltern officers in the French army, for whom Captain de Guesniard answers, but whose names were not mentioned.”

“Oh, I will discover them,” cried Schulmeister, “be assured I will discover them; and I am glad that there is some special work for me in this affair.  Go on now, go on, my Leonore.”

“There is but little more to say.  A ship, laden with grain, lies in the harbor of Trieste with papers ready to set sail at once for Genoa.  The Baron von Moudenfels, with the prisoner and the two French lieutenants, will take passage in her for Genoa, where another vessel, furnished by the Swedish members of the league, is ready to convey the party further.  Count von Kotte has already been sent from here to Genoa by Baron von Moudenfels to give directions to the captain of the ship, who from that port will relieve Baron von Moudenfels from the charge of the prisoner.”