"Exactly. He captured him single-handed."
Colonel Edwards eyed Stubbs in the greatest surprise, until Hal explained in a low voice, so that neither Stubbs nor the dwarf might hear.
"Well, we may as well be moving then," said Colonel Edwards. "Have your guide take the lead, Stubbs."
Stubbs, undeniably proud at the honor now being bestowed upon him, did as requested, and the dwarf led the way down the road at a rapid gait.
Hour after hour they walked along encountering no one, until shortly before nightfall when they drew up near a small hut. Here Nikol went forward and secured food, which he brought back in his hands. This they devoured hungrily, drank from a little brook, and moved forward again.
Now Nikol deserted the beaten path and struck off through the mountains proper, climbing steep hills, leaping ruts and gullies, rocks and brooks, but making such good progress that the others were hard pressed to keep up with him.
Darkness fell suddenly and Stubbs shuddered.
"Nice place for an assassin here, too," he muttered gloomily.
"Back at it, are you?" said Hal. "What will your friend Nikol say?"
Stubbs did not reply.