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 came to a little clearing 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 made out the mouth of a huge 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 smooth rock, and it gave way before him, turning
on well-oiled hinges.

"Great Scott!" muttered Chester. "I have read of these things, but I
never expected to see one."

The rock fell into place behind them, and the boys saw that they stood
in a well-lighted compartment, in which stood a table and chairs. Their
guards led them further along, to where they perceived a closed door. On
this one of their captors knocked sharply.

"Come in," came a deep voice from beyond the door.

One of the guards opened the heavy wooden door, and stood back,
signifying for the prisoners to enter.

The three friends did so. The room was brilliantly lighted. At a large
mahogany desk sat a man in a military uniform, though 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 room were
beautifully upholstered, and pictures were hung about the walls. All
this the lads saw at a single glance.

The man at the desk rose and approached them. He bowed slightly, and,
after ordering their hands released, indicated three nearby chairs.

"Be seated, if you please," he said politely, at the same time motioning
the guards to withdraw.

Hal, Chester and Alexis did as requested. There was now no question of
the man's identity in the mind of any. He wore a long white beard and
had a pleasant, kindly face.

Hal rose to his feet.

"Are you Brunnoi?" he asked.

Brunnoi bowed.

"At your service," he replied. "Now, what 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 them.

"Come, come, gentlemen," said Brunnoi, smiling at their su