CHAPTER XVII.
A STRANGE DISCOVERY.
Seeing that he was discovered, Brunnoi darted from the doorway and tried to escape. But he was not quick enough. The lads were upon him in an instant, and beneath their weight the bandit chief was hurled to the ground. He struggled fiercely, clawing and scratching like a cat; but Hal and Chester were too much for him.
Brunnoi finally ceased his struggles and lay quietly in the lads’ hands. Hal took him by the collar and jerked him to his feet; then, each lad taking an arm, they led their prisoner straight to the Grand Duke’s quarters. They were admitted instantly, and pushing their captive before them, they approached the Russian commander-in-chief.
“Whom have you there?” demanded the Grand Duke, looking at the prisoner.
“Brunnoi, sir,” replied Hal calmly.
“What!” cried the Grand Duke, springing to his feet. “Is this the bandit chief?”
“It is, sir,” replied Chester.
“I am Brunnoi,” said the bandit calmly. “You have me. What will you do with me?”
“You shall be shot in the morning!” cried the Grand Duke angrily.