TARZAN AND THE LOST EMPIRE
have heard soldiers passing. It is a miracle that they have not searched this place.”
“Ps-st!” cautioned von Harben. “What was that?”
“It sounded like the creaking of the gate in front of the house,” said Mallius Lepus.
“They are coming,” said von Harben.
The three men seized the swords with which they had armed themselves, after they had rushed the Colosseum guard, and following a plan they had already decided upon in the event that searchers approached their hiding-place, they scaled the ladder and crept out upon the roof. Leaving the trap-door pushed slightly to one side, they listened to the sounds that were now coming from below, ready to take instant action should there be any indication that the searchers might mount the ladder to the roof.
Von Harben heard voices coming from below. “Well, we made it,” said one, “and no one saw us. Here come the others now,” and von Harben heard the gate creak again on its rusty hinges; then the door of the house opened and he heard several people enter.
“This is a good night’s work,” said one.
“Is she alive? I cannot hear her breathe.”
“Take the gag from her mouth.”
“And let her scream for help?”
“We can keep her quiet. She is worth nothing to us dead.”
“All right, take it out.”
“Listen you, we will take the gag out of your mouth, but if you scream it will be the worse for you.”
“I shall not scream,” said a woman’s voice in familiar tones that set von Harben’s heart to palpitating, though he knew that it was nothing more than his imagination that suggested the seeming familiarity.
“We shall not hurt you,” said the man’s voice, “if you keep quiet and Caesar sends the ransom.”
“And if he does not send it?” asked the girl.
“Then, perhaps, your father, Septimus Favonius, will pay the price we ask.”
“Heavens!” muttered von Harben. “Did you hear that, Lepus?”
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