"There is but one reason—gold," said Ivan simply.
"And his methods?" inquired Colonel Anderson.
"More gold," was the reply.
"I see," said Colonel Anderson. "Furnished by the Austrians, eh?"
"How else? I have had several interviews with this Nicolas. He seems to think I could be of use to him. In fact, he has made me offers. But while I have taken no part in active fighting, although I admit I have neglected my own country, I have not fallen low enough for that sort of work. However, I did not tell Nicolas that. I temporized with him and I suppose he believes he can win me over if he cares to make his offer tempting enough."
"All this," said Hal slowly, "suggests a plan."
"Well?" said Chester, expectantly.
"And by this plan of mine," Hal continued, "we may accomplish even more than we set out to do."
"Explain, Hal," said Colonel Anderson.
"It's very simple. We'll have Ivan take us to Nicolas. He can tell him we are Germans, or what you please. Being, apparently, friends of Ivan's, we shall be received. Then Ivan can appear to fall in with his plans. At the first opportune moment, we shall take charge of Mr. Nicolas and escape."