“Then how does he account for the fact that he wears no uniform?”
“He doesn’t account for it at all, sir. He refuses to say anything on that score.”
Hal and Chester, during this conversation, had drawn as close to the prisoner as the armed guard would permit.
“Looks like an Englishman,” said Hal.
“That’s what he is, all right,” declared Chester.
The prisoner looked up suddenly at hearing these words, spoken in English. Then, with a sudden movement, he shook off his guards, and, apparently in a dash for freedom, sprang toward Hal and Chester.
Taken by surprise, the boys leaped back, but not before Chester, throwing up one hand to ward off what he believed was an attack, felt a little piece of paper slipped into his hand.
In spite of his surprise, his fingers closed over it involuntarily; and, at the same instant, the man grappled with him. As they struggled, the lad was surprised to hear his opponent whisper:
“Don’t lose it. It must reach Grand Duke Nicholas at all costs, and at once. Much depends upon it.”
Then the prisoner grew weak in the lad’s grasp, and Chester realized what was expected of him.