"H-m-m-m," mused Colonel Edwards. "You say all that easily enough, but you can take my word for it, it will be no small job."
"Of course not," Chester agreed, "but still we should be able to do it. And if we do, we shall have removed the cause of the Albanian enmity toward Montenegro. There will be no such strong Austrian sentiment once the supply of gold is cut off."
Ivan jumped to his feet and clapped the lad on the back.
"Good!" he exclaimed eagerly. "I'm with you; and if it comes to a fight, you will find that you can use me to advantage."
"I am sure of it," smiled Hal.
Ivan, in turning, cast his eye upon the little dwarfed figure of Nikol.
He walked quickly toward him and extended a hand.
"We didn't finish our little argument awhile ago," he said simply. "I see no reason why we should finish it. Why should we fight each other when there are others to fight?" He turned to Hal. "I'll guarantee this man will give a good account of himself," he said. "I doubt if there is another man in the mountains, besides myself, who has his strength. He will prove his worth."
He turned to Nikol again and the dwarf grinned at him, showing strong white teeth.
"You are right," he said and gripped Ivan's hand hard.
"Well then," said Colonel Edwards, "the sooner we get started the sooner we may get back again. When shall we start, Ivan?"