Part 27 (1/2)
In vain did the bandit struggle to free hihtly in spite of all his efforts Then, realizing that the Grand Duke round and stepped back while half a dozen rifles covered the count
The Grand Duke, with a wave of his ar 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 a 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 rehearse it fro to end The count probably will correct ”
The Grand Duke ordered him to proceed
”Well,” said Hal, ”the count knew of ourprepared for these rapid journeys, proceeded by autolanced at the lad in surprise
”How did you know that?” he dee in the mountains,” said Hal quietly ”Of course, e returned, the count aiting for us Why he left us behind alive when he careatly surprised the count was to see us back safely
Iet us out of the way Hence the attack the other night, in which ere fortunate enough to capture him”
”But the escape?” demanded the Grand Duke ”How did he escape?”
”Very siave the pass to see the prisoner was of course not Count de Reslau, but a ht, 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 reuise, and Brunnoi removed his Brunnoi came out as Count de Reslau, and the other ht of when he was free was to dispose of Chester andAs he escaped fro off his beard That's all there is to it”
”And now,” de to do withI can do with you,” replied the Grand Duke ”The fate of Count de Reslau shall be the same as that already pronounced for Brunnoi, the bandit You shall be shot within the hour Personal friendshi+p shall not keepmy duty Officer, see that uard 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!” exclai, ”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 thisinto my mind I could notsquad Then I saw it as plain as day”
”It's lucky for us that you did,” said Chester with enthusiaslad to know that Brunnoi has been disposed of”
And he was