Robert knew his father could not bear confusion, and that he loved the sea, though he could not help wondering that he should choose such a very remote abode, and rather an unsafe one, too, for there were reports abroad that a band of smugglers was concealed somewhere about the ledge of rocks, which they were gradually approaching. However, he continued to follow the boy, and soon came in sight of a neat little cottage, painted white, and both quickening their steps, soon arrived before the door. The boy gave three sharp raps upon it, and it was immediately opened by a rough-looking man, who bade them enter. Robert’s suspicions were now fully aroused, and he demanded if a man by the name of Ellerton was waiting for him there. The man replied that there was, and Robert, with a rather doubtful air, entered. In an instant the door was shut and barred. A heavy hand was laid upon his shoulder, while a pistol covered his heart, and the same rough voice said: “Make the least disturbance, and you are a dead man.” “What means this violence, villain?” demanded Robert, thoroughly alarmed. “It means that you are my prisoner.” “For what offense?” “Oh, you will know all in good time, my proud youngster,” replied Hans Weichel, senior, with a coarse laugh. “If it is my money or watch you want, you are welcome to them, only do not detain me, for my friends are anxiously waiting for me,” said Robert, thinking he could bribe the man. “Not quite so fast, my young lark; I care nothing for your purse or baubles, but you are not to see your friends at present.” “Why, I demand to know?” “Why? Oh, because one of your very particular friends forbids it,” replied Hans, again laughing disagreeably. “Take that, then, for your insolence, you rascal,” shouted Robert, suddenly dealing the man a heavy blow upon the temple. He fell to the floor with a groan, then quick as lightning Robert turned to unfasten the door to escape. Before he could draw the bolt, his arms were pinioned from behind, while at the same moment a heavy cloak was thrown over his head, completely blinding him and smothering his cries. It was done so quietly and quickly that he was amazed, for he had supposed there were no others in the house, though now he heard several voices; but all spoke in low tones. He was borne through the house, then down some steps. And now he heard some one stamp three times upon the ground. Immediately there was a grating sound, as if a heavy door was swinging upon its hinges. He was then borne within what seemed to be an underground passage, for he felt the air cool and damp, even through the fold of the heavy cloak, and he shuddered, for he was now convinced that he was in the hands of the smugglers, though for what purpose he could not conceive. He did not know that he had an enemy in all Germany, and the words of the rough brute who met him at the door were a mystery to him.