The child who had decoyed him was, of course, somewhere about, and so also was Ferralti.

How many servants or followers the brigand might have was as yet a mystery to the new arrival.
In the side pocket of Uncle John's loose coat lay a loaded revolver, which he had carried ever since he had received Mr.Watson's warning letter.

He had never imagined a condition of danger where he could not use this weapon to defend himself, and as long as it remained by him he had feared nothing.

But he had been made a prisoner in so deft a manner that he had no opportunity to expostulate or offer any sort of resistance.

Later there might be a chance to fight for his liberty, and the only sensible action was to wait and bide his time.
"For example," the Duke was saying, in his labored, broken English, "I have here a priceless treasure--very antique, very beautiful.