The driver and the other passengers craned over the edge of the coach, peering into the darkness, as though looking for something. Jonathan looked, too, but there was nothing and no one there. "Too bad," the driver exclaimed. "The coach that was supposed to meet you to take you up to the castle is not here. You cannot wait here in the dark alone, as there are too many wolves about and I must continue on. You will have to come with us. I can bring you back another time. "Too bad," the other passengers murmured But why did they all seem so cheerful Not so fast," said a deep voice. A carriage driven by four coal-black horses pulled up along side the coach. This must be the count's assistant, Jonathan thought. The man's face was mostly hidden by a great black hat, but Jonathan could see a pair of very bright eyes, glowing almost red. "You were extremely early tonight," the assistant told the driver, "but I anticipated your game. Now give me the gentleman's luggage.