As von Boehlen resumed his approach to the house he passed from John's range of vision, and then the prisoner watched the horizon for anything that he might see.

Twice he beheld the far flare of searchlights, but nobody else came to the chateau, and the night darkened somewhat.

No rattle of arms or stamp of hoofs came from the hussars in the grounds, and he judged that all but the sentinels slept.

Nor was there any sound of movement in the house, and in the peaceful silence he at last began to feel sleepy.

The problems of his position were too great for him to solve--at least for the present--and lying down on the cot he was fast asleep before he knew it.
Youth does not always sleep soundly, and the tension of John's nerves continued long after he lapsed into unconsciousness.