Outside, Zmai held the horses in readiness.
"You are a fine pair of patriots, I swear," said Claiborne.

"What in the devil do you want with John Armitage ?" "He is a menace to a great throne--an impostor--a--" Chauvenet's eyes swept with a swift glance the cloak, the sword, the scattered orders.

Claiborne followed the man's gaze, but he looked quickly toward Durand and Chauvenet, not wishing them to see that the sight of these things puzzled him.
"Pretty trinkets! But such games as yours, these pretty baubles--are not for these free hills." "_Where is John Armitage_ ?" Chauvenet half raised his right arm as he spoke and the steel of his revolver flashed.
Claiborne did not move; he smiled upon them, recrossed his legs, and settled his back more comfortably against the mantel-shelf.
"I really forget where he said he would be at this hour.

He and his man may have gone to Washington, or they may have started for Vienna, or they may be in conference with Baron von Marhof at my father's, or they may be waiting for you at the gate.

The Lord only knows!" "Come; we waste time," said Durand in French.