Colonel Edwards hesitated. He didn't know Stubbs as well as the others.
"Well—" he began.
"Oh, he's all right, Colonel," said Hal. "It's just his way. He's no coward. He is no more afraid than you are."
"Don't you believe it, Colonel," said Stubbs. "I assure you I am scared to death. But I am more afraid of losing my job with the New York Gazette than I am of these Albanian mountaineers, so if I go I am just choosing the lesser of two evils. I want to go with you fellows. But please remember one thing: I'm no fighter. If it comes to a fight, you can count me out; but if it's a question of run—well, you'll find me with you, or far ahead."
"Then if the others have no objections, I am sure that I shall be pleased to have you accompany us," said Colonel Edwards.
"And when shall we start?" asked Hal.
"Just as soon as we can."
"Walk, ride, or what?"
"Horses, until we reach the top of the mountains. Then we'll walk. Also, we will discard our uniforms—anyhow, I don't imagine you like the cut of those Austrian garments."
"I don't, and that's the truth," Hal agreed.