This page has been validated.
218
THE PRISONER OF ZENDA.

"Aye, sir; but the others rest in a room just above, and are within sound of a cry or a whistle."

"A room just above? I didn't know that. Is there any communication between it and the room where they watch?"

"No, sir. You must go down a few stairs and through the door by the drawbridge, and so to where the king is lodged."

"And that door is locked?"

"Only the four lords have keys, sir."

I drew near to him.

"And have they keys of the grating?" I asked in a low whisper.

"I think, sir, only Detchard and Rupert."

"Where does the duke lodge?"

"In the château, on the first floor. His apartments are on the right as you go toward the draw-bridge."

"And Mme. de Mauban?"

"Just opposite, on the left. But her door's locked after she has entered."

"To keep her in?"

"Doubtless, sir."