Nicolas waited no further, but did as commanded.
"One," counted Hal, as the man drew from beneath the board a little sack of gold.
One after another Hal counted them as they were laid on the floor at his feet, until in all there were seventeen little sacks, just small enough to permit of being stowed away in outside coat pockets.
"Two for each of us to carry," said Hal, looking around, "and one over.
I'll carry the extra one in my hand."
"And don't I get any of this?" demanded Nicolas, looking at the bags of gold longingly.
"You do not," replied Hal, quietly. "This money is to be given where it will do the most good. You have had your chance with it. Now it is my turn."
"Very well," said Nicolas, with a shrug of his shoulders. "But I have made my agreement with the Austrian government; and when the war has been won, I shall get my pay."
"Perhaps," said Hal, with a double meaning, that was, of course, lost upon Nicolas, "you shall receive your just pay before the war ends."
"Do you really think so?" asked Nicolas eagerly. "I hope so."
"But now," said Hal, "it is time to be moving. Pick up the gold, men, and let's get away from here."