Part 25 (1/2)

”Who at the prisoner

”Brunnoi, sir,” replied Hal cal to his feet ”Is this the bandit chief?”

”It is, sir,” replied Chester

”I am Brunnoi,” said the bandit calmly ”You have me What will you do with !” cried the Grand Duke angrily

Brunnoi smiled

”I fear you are ry

”You shall be shot at eight o'clock,” he said very quietly ”You have already caused me much trouble I can't afford to let you escape”

He suuard of an officer and ten men, and turned the bandit chief over to theht o'clock

As Brunnoi was led by the three lads, he smiled at them

”I will see you later,” he said calmly

The Grand Duke thanked the lads for their important capture, and then, with Alexis, theyfor the rooms and were soon in bed

Tired out they slept heavily Therefore, while they had expected to arise before eight o'clock, nine found the They were awakened at last, however, by the sounds of a co room

The two lads sat up in bed and listened intently Heavy footsteps tramped toward their door and it was thrown open with a quick jerk

Hal and Chester uttered excla the face of Brunnoi, as to have been put to death an hour before In his hand he held two revolvers, covering the lads

”You see I have kept my word,” he said ”I was not shot”

”How did you escape?” de the only question he could think of at that moment

”Never mind that,” replied the bandit ”Get your clothes on quickly, and come with me”

Under the muzzles of the two revolvers, the lads dressed hurriedly The presence of Alexis in the adjoining roo completely covered up by bed clothes--passed unnoticed But Alexis, beneath his covering, heard as going on and understood

”Go out ahead of me,” ordered Brunnoi

He dropped his two revolvers into side pockets, but kept his fingers on the trigger of each

”One false move and I'll drop you,” he said quietly ”Now, march!”

Slowly the lads left the room, and Brunnoi followed theh the door, when Alexis bounded out of bed and silently followed

At the outside door, Brunnoi stepped back to allow his captives to pass out first For an instant he was off his guard It was Alexis'

opportunity and he leaped suddenly forward