Part 11 (1/2)

”Try me,” he said simply

”Keep quiet, then, and do as I tell you,” said Hal

He turned again to von Bernstrum

”I can see,” he said, ”that the lady would be pleased to know a man like you”

”Ah! you see it?” cried the Ger Now if I had your help----”

”What would you have us do?” asked Hal

The big Ger

”If I had your help,” he said at length, ”I would see that you all regained your liberty Will you help me?”

”What is it you would have us do?” asked Chester

”I will not say until you have promised,” said von Bernstrum

”And ill not promise till you have told us,” said Hal ”Hoe know that you are a hter, such as you would have us believe”

”What! Freiderich von Bernstru German in surprise

”We have only your word for it,” said Hal quietly

Von Bernstrum paced up and down excitedly He stopped suddenly

”Letswords!” he exclaiht!”

He made as if to leave the room

”Not so fast!” exclai the whole fortress down on us But I shall try you out”

”How?” exclaierly

”Alexis!” called Hal

The big Cossack approached