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 hiht out and tell him e really are and e are here”
”The latter way htfully ”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 ca 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 e 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 bumped into a solid wall One of their captors stepped forward and passed his hand over the surface of the s on well-oiled hinges
”Great Scott!” s, but I never expected to see one”
The rock fell into place behind thehted couards led the, to where they perceived a closed door On this one of their captors knocked sharply
”Come in,” cauards opened the heavy wooden door, and stood back, signifying for the prisoners to enter
The three friends did so The rooany desk sat a h 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 roo about the walls All this the lads saw at a single glance
The htly, and, after ordering their hands released, indicated three nearby chairs
”Be seated, if you please,” he said politely, at the sauards to withdraw
Hal, Chester and Alexis did as requested There was now no question of thewhite beard and had a pleasant, kindly face
Hal rose to his feet
”Are you Brunnoi?” he asked
Brunnoi bowed
”At your service,” he replied ”Nohat 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 the at their surprise ”You see, s are known to me For instance, now, I could even tell you the object of your expedition to these mountains Is it necessary?”
Hal threide his aruess it is not necessary,” he said quietly
”Good!” cried Brunnoi, for the first ti real interest in the lad ”You are a e”