Robert found himself in a chamber scarcely less elegant than the room he had just left. A luxurious bed stood at one side, and was hung with curtains of white silk, looped with cord and tassels of gold. The room contained everything that the most fastidious could desire, either for comfort or luxury. Books, richly bound, were scattered in profusion upon a marble table, and it being early in the evening, Robert amused himself an hour or two with these, and then retired to rest; and being much fatigued with the efforts of the day, he slept soundly until morning. CHAPTER XIII. CONSPIRACY. The next morning Robert arose, and found a perfumed bath and all the dainty appointments of a toilet awaiting him. After performing his ablutions, and dressing himself with great care, he sat down to await a summons to the morning meal. Almost immediately a page appeared, and conducted him into a room hung with green and gilt, where a table, spread for two, contained an inviting repast served upon dishes of silver. The page conducted Robert to a seat, and then placed himself, as the other had done, behind his chair. Presently another man entered, likewise followed by a page. He was a tall and well-formed man, and fine-looking, though his face was somewhat bronzed, and his beard was long, black, and very heavy, giving him a rather fierce expression. He was clad in a suit of rich green velvet, ornamented with gold lace and seed pearls; while at his side there hung an elegant dagger, whose golden handle was brilliantly ornamented with jewels. He greeted Robert in a very gentlemanly manner as he seated himself opposite him. Our hero returned the bow, without at all losing his self-possession. He felt assured that he was in the presence of the chief of the band of smugglers. And he was right. “Did you rest well, Mr. Ellerton?” asked the chief, as he filled a plate with the good things spread before them and passed it to Robert. “Very well, indeed, sir,” he replied, courteously; “but you have the advantage of me, for I cannot call you by name.” “Weilman Weichel, at your service, and brother of the man whom you saluted with such warmth on entering his cottage yesterday,” replied the chief, with a smile, and bowing low. “’Twas but in self-defense, Herr Weichel,” returned our hero, a shade of uneasiness crossing his face at the remembrance of the severe blow he had given the villain. “Nay, do not be alarmed, my friend; I know it,” said Weichel, remarking the look. “I but honor you the more for the courage and bravery you displayed; and I assure you Hans himself bears you no ill-will. We are a class of people who admire courage, be it in friend or foe.” “Have the goodness to answer a question, Herr Weichel. Why am I brought like a prisoner to this place, and yet treated in a manner of which a prince could not complain?” The chief smiled at this off-hand compliment, and then replied: