The whole thing was so unexpected, and had been accomplished so quickly and quietly! Remembering the particulars of Frank's previous encounter with Pierre Costello, they did not stand in fear of bodily harm.

Although they had not the slightest suspicion that their capture was the result of treachery on the part of Arthur Vane, they well understood the motives of the robbers, and knew, as well as if Pierre had explained the matter to them, that they were to be used as a means to extort money from their relatives, and that they had nothing to fear, so long as they submitted quietly to their enemies.

But this was something that one of the three boys, at least, had no intention of doing.

Frank's brain was already busy with plans for escape.

He had twice beaten Pierre at his own game, and, if the robber did not keep his wits about him, he would do it again.