Part 27 (1/2)
In vain did the bandit struggle to free himself from Hal's firm grasp.
The lad clung to him tightly in spite of all his efforts. Then, realizing that the Grand Duke must be convinced, he dropped the beard to the ground and stepped back while half a dozen rifles covered the count.
The Grand Duke, with a wave of his arm, instructed the officer in command of the firing squad to release the two lads. Then he ordered him to conduct the bandit chief to his quarters, and motioned the lads to follow. Inside the tent the Grand Duke turned upon his false friend.
”De Reslau,” he said, addressing the prisoner, ”we have been friends, and for that reason I am offering you a chance to make a satisfactory explanation--if you can.”
”I have nothing to say,” replied the prisoner.
”Will you tell me how you have conducted your operations?”
The bandit did not reply and Hal stepped forward.
”Your Excellency,” he said, ”I believe I can rehea.r.s.e it from beginning to end. The count probably will correct me if I am wrong.”
The Grand Duke ordered him to proceed.
”Well,” said Hal, ”the count knew of our mission. We went horseback, but the count, being prepared for these rapid journeys, proceeded by automobile.”
The bandit chief glanced at the lad in surprise.
”How did you know that?” he demanded.
”We stumbled upon your automobile garage in the mountains,” said Hal quietly. ”Of course, when we returned, the count was waiting for us. Why he left us behind alive when he came back here, I don't know, but I now remember how greatly surprised the count was to see us back safely.
Immediately he planned to get us out of the way. Hence the attack the other night, in which we were fortunate enough to capture him.”
”But the escape?” demanded the Grand Duke. ”How did he escape?”
”Very simple,” replied Hal. ”The man to whom you gave the pa.s.s to see the prisoner was of course not Count de Reslau, but a man made up to resemble him. Am I right, count?”
”Yes,” replied the bandit. ”I have kept him near me for that very purpose. He had his orders that in the event I was ever arrested, he would make up to resemble me.”
”Exactly,” continued Hal. ”Once alone with the prisoner the rest was easy. He removed his disguise, and Brunnoi removed his. Brunnoi came out as Count de Reslau, and the other man stayed. Naturally, the first thing the count thought of when he was free was to dispose of Chester and myself. Hence his call this morning. As he escaped from Alexis I succeeded in pulling off his beard. That's all there is to it.”
”And now,” demanded the bandit chief, ”what are you going to do with me?”
”There is but one thing I can do with you,” replied the Grand Duke. ”The fate of Count de Reslau shall be the same as that already p.r.o.nounced for Brunnoi, the bandit. You shall be shot within the hour. Personal friends.h.i.+p shall not keep me from doing my duty. Officer, see that my command is carried out.”
The guard closed in about Count de Reslau and he was led away. Then the Grand Duke Nicholas, commander-in-chief of the Russian armies, sank into a chair, and buried his face in his arms on the table. Quietly the lads left the tent.
”By Jove!” exclaimed Chester, as they walked along, ”you spotted de Reslau just in time. Another moment and it would have been too late.
Tell me, how did you happen to hit it?”
”Ever since I pulled Brunnoi's beard off this morning,” replied Hal, ”another face has kept flas.h.i.+ng into my mind. I could not make it out clearly until just as we stood before the firing squad. Then I saw it as plain as day.”
”It's lucky for us that you did,” said Chester with enthusiasm. ”But here comes Alexis. He'll be glad to know that Brunnoi has been disposed of.”
And he was.
”But you make much over a small matter,” he said.