Then the German officer gave Vladimir his instructions.
"This place will be left alone for the present," he said.

"Prince Alexander Suvaroff has been a good friend and neighbor, and, though he is an enemy, we desire to respect his property as long as possible.

But neither you nor any who are left in the house with you must go out--this for your own safety--except to get food and then go yourself." Fred heard a general movement then, and guessed that they were going out.

Silence followed, and, after listening for a time, he decided upon an exploration of the secret passage.

A vague plan was taking form in his mind already.