n.

"Well, then," Ivan went on, "you may remember a certain proposal you have
made me upon several occasions?"

"I do," exclaimed Nicolas, with unfeigned eagerness. "Can it be that at
last you have decided to--"

"Accept?" interrupted Ivan. "Yes; I have decided to accept; and these
Germans here have had something to do with my decision. They have told me
how Germany and Austria combined will eventually win the great war and of
the good things that will be in store for all of us when that day comes.
You are right, Nicolas, it is well to be on the winning side."

"And I am glad you see it that way," declared Nicolas, extending a hand,
which Ivan grasped, much to his distaste. "I have long wanted a trusted
lieutenant, and you shall be he."

"Thanks, Nicolas," returned Ivan. "I had not expected that. Had you told
me before it might have influenced me sooner. But now I shall have the
others approach. By the way, you speak German?"

"Yes."

"Good; then there is no need of an interpreter."

He raised his hand and at the signal the others came forward. Ivan
presented each in turn, applying to each a German name that had been
agreed upon during the night's travel. Nicolas expressed his pleasure at
seeing them and after a few words of pleasantry, said:

"Now, gentlemen, if you will accompany me to my quarters, I shall try and
make you feel at home."

As they walked along Hal and Chester took stock of the Montenegrin. Big
he was, fully as tall and as broad as Ivan himself, and his great arms
hung below his knees. He was the personification of rugged strength and
brutality. From Nicolas the lads turned their eyes to Ivan. There was
scarcely a noticeable difference in the stature of the two men and from
casual observation it would have been hard to choose between them in the
matter of strength. But the one noticeable difference was in the eyes.

Ivan's eyes looked one straight in the face, while Nicolas' shifted
uneasily when he was observed closely. It was the difference in the eyes
that told the difference between the two men better than anything else.

Presently Nicolas stopped before an extremely large hut, built up close
beside a giant rock. He stood aside and motioned the others to enter.
They did so and Nicolas, after a word to his men, came in after them and
closed the door. Then he motioned them all to seats and sat down himself.
He eyed his guests in silence for a few moments, and finally remarked:

"Well?"