beard and a military uniform.

He was Brunnoi, chief of the Hungarian bandits!

CHAPTER XVII.

A STRANGE DISCOVERY.

Seeing that he was discovered, Brunnoi darted from the doorway and tried
to escape. But he was not quick enough. The lads were upon him in an
instant, and beneath their weight the bandit chief was hurled to the
ground. He struggled fiercely, clawing and scratching like a cat; but
Hal and Chester were too much for him.

Brunnoi finally ceased his struggles and lay quietly in the lads' hands.
Hal took him by the collar and jerked him to his feet; then, each lad
taking an arm, they led their prisoner straight to the Grand Duke's
quarters. They were admitted instantly, and pushing their captive before
them, they approached the Russian commander-in-chief.

"Whom have you there?" demanded the Grand Duke, looking at the prisoner.

"Brunnoi, sir," replied Hal calmly.

"What!" cried the Grand Duke, springing 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 me?"

"You shall be shot in the morning!" cried the Grand Duke angrily.

Brunnoi smiled.

"I fear you are mistaken," he said quietly.

The Grand Duke grew very angry.

"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 summoned a guard of an officer and ten men, and turned the bandit
chief over to them, with orders that he be shot in the morning at eight
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, they made their way to the house where Marquis was waiting
for them. They were given connecting rooms and were soon in bed.

Tired out they slept heavily. Therefore, while they had expected to
arise before eight o'clock, nine found them still sleeping. They were
awakened at last, however, by the sounds of a commotion in the adjoining
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 exclamations of surprise. Confronting them, in
the doorway, was the smiling face of Brunnoi, who was to have been put
to death an hour before. In his hand he held two revolvers, covering the
lads.

"You s