a better
story," he added to Hal.

Now the Count de Reslau was one of the Grand Duke's closest friends,
and, as the Duke had said, he had implicit confidence in him. It was
only natural, therefore, that he should be impressed with his reasoning.

He advanced upon the two lads, and pointed an accusing finger at each.

"The count is right!" he exclaimed in a loud voice. "I can see it all!
You are traitors! I would have sworn by your honor in spite of the short
time I have known you. You have rendered me, I still believe, valuable
service; but you have caused me to play into the hands of the enemy in
other matters."

"Your Excellency," said Chester, stepping forward. "Count de Reslau
possibly means well, but he is badly mistaken. His reasoning is at
fault. We are innocent of this charge."

"You deny it?" fairly shouted the Duke.

"Of course they deny it," said the count. "It is hardly probable they
would admit being traitors and spies."

"I understand perfectly," declared Nicholas as he stepped to the door of
his tent.

"Orderly," he called, "summon the corporal and ten men."

He stepped back into the tent and turned upon the two lads angrily.

"You shall see how we treat traitors in Russia," he said.

An officer and ten men now strode into the tent. The Grand Duke waved
his hands toward the two lads.

"Take them out and shoot them immediately."

The officer advanced toward the lads.

"Your Excellency!" exclaimed Hal, stepping forward.

"Enough!" cried the Grand Duke. "I will be trifled with no longer.
Officer, do your duty!"

The guards surrounded the boys, and they were marched from the tent.

Count de Reslau smiled to himself as they were led away, and turned to
the Grand Duke.

"Let us go out and watch the proceedings," he said.

"Very well," agreed the Grand Duke, and they hurried after the firing
squad and the prisoners.

The lads stood facing their would-be executioners when the Grand Duke
and Count de Reslau appeared. At that moment, Hal felt something in his
pocket that gave him a sudden thrill.

"I am going to take one last chance," he said to Chester. To the Duke he
called: "Your Excellency, may I make a last request?"

The Grand Duke nodded an assent.

"I would say once more, Your Excellency," said Hal, "that we are
innocent. But," he paused, "I can produce Brunnoi himself!"

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE MYSTERY CLEARED.

Chester stared in astonishment at his friend. Had he gone