Part 20 (1/2)

There was no help for it. The three friends obeyed.

”Where are you taking us?” demanded Hal of one of their captors.

”To Brunnoi!” came the brief response.

”Great Scott!” said Hal to Chester, in English. ”We certainly couldn't have got there quicker any other way. You don't suppose he has learned of our mission.”

”I don't see how that is possible,” replied Chester.

”Nor I; I suppose the thing to do is to try and convince him we are German soldiers, or else come straight out and tell him who we really are and why we are here.”

”The latter way might be best,” said Chester, thoughtfully. ”For Brunnoi after all may not be such a staunch Austrian supporter as our late host would have us believe.”

”True,” said Hal. ”I hadn't thought of that.”

After an hour's ride they came to a little clearing in the forest that covered this point of the mountain. Here they were ordered to dismount, and for half a mile proceeded on foot. As they advanced still further the lads made out the mouth of a huge cavern. Into this dark hole their captors pushed them. Down the mouth of the cavern they walked, and then suddenly came to a sharp turn. Ten more paces and they b.u.mped into a solid wall. One of their captors stepped forward and pa.s.sed his hand over the surface of the smooth rock, and it gave way before him, turning on well-oiled hinges.

”Great Scott!” muttered Chester. ”I have read of these things, but I never expected to see one.”

The rock fell into place behind them, and the boys saw that they stood in a well-lighted compartment, in which stood a table and chairs. Their guards led them further along, to where they perceived a closed door. On this one of their captors knocked sharply.

”Come in,” came a deep voice from beyond the door.

One of the guards opened the heavy wooden door, and stood back, signifying for the prisoners to enter.

The three friends did so. The room was brilliantly lighted. At a large mahogany desk sat a man in a military uniform, though of what country or what his rank the boys could not tell, for they had never seen a similar uniform and the man wore no shoulder straps. The chairs in the room were beautifully upholstered, and pictures were hung about the walls. All this the lads saw at a single glance.

The man at the desk rose and approached them. He bowed slightly, and, after ordering their hands released, indicated three nearby chairs.

”Be seated, if you please,” he said politely, at the same time motioning the guards to withdraw.

Hal, Chester and Alexis did as requested. There was now no question of the man's ident.i.ty in the mind of any. He wore a long white beard and had a pleasant, kindly face.

Hal rose to his feet.

”Are you Brunnoi?” he asked.

Brunnoi bowed.

”At your service,” he replied. ”Now, what can I do for Lieutenants Payne and Crawford, and their Cossack friend?”

The lads started to their feet upon hearing their own names thus upon the lips of a man they did not believe could possibly know them.

”Come, come, gentlemen,” said Brunnoi, smiling at their surprise. ”You see, many things are known to me. For instance, now, I could even tell you the object of your expedition to these mountains. Is it necessary?”

Hal threw wide his arms with a gesture of dismay.

”I guess it is not necessary,” he said quietly.

”Good!” cried Brunnoi, for the first time evincing real interest in the lad. ”You are a man after my own heart. You have nothing to gain by subterfuge.”