48 FOR THE FLAG

room, surprise Gaydon by a sudden attack, and render
him incapable of calling for help ?

But such violent measures would be attended by certain
risks. Captain Spade was perfectly aware of this, for he
was a man given rather to cunning than to violence.
However he had no choice. The one thing essential
was to carry off the inventor—Gaydon too, if necessary, ©
in accordance with the Count’s instructions—and he must
succeed, whatever the cost.

The Captain reached the window, raised himself on
tiptoe, and through an opening in the curtains he was able
to examine the room.

Gaydon was there near his charge, who was still labour-
ing under the attack caused by the recent visit. This
attack required special treatment, which the attendant
was now giving, under the direction of one of the doctors
of the establishment, whom the Principal had immediately
sent to No. 17.

Manifestly the doctor’s presence could only complicate
the situation, and render the abduction more difficult.

Roch was lying on a sofa, quite dressed. At that
moment he appeared sufficiently calm. The paroxysm
was passing off little by little, and it would be followed by
some hours of torpor and drowsiness.

When Spade raised himself up to the window the doctor
was about to withdraw, and Spade heard him assure
Gaydon that the night would pass without farther alarm,
and there would be no necessity for him to return.

Then the physician turned towards the door, which