Brunnoi smiled.
“I fear you are mistaken,” he said quietly.
The Grand Duke grew very angry.
“You shall be shot at eight o’clock,” he said very quietly. “You have already caused me much trouble. I can’t afford to let you escape.”
He summoned a guard of an officer and ten men, and turned the bandit chief over to them, with orders that he be shot in the morning at eight o’clock.
As Brunnoi was led by the three lads, he smiled at them.
“I will see you later,” he said calmly.
The Grand Duke thanked the lads for their important capture, and then, with Alexis, they made their way to the house where Marquis was waiting for them. They were given connecting rooms and were soon in bed.
Tired out they slept heavily. Therefore, while they had expected to arise before eight o’clock, nine found them still sleeping. They were awakened at last, however, by the sounds of a commotion in the adjoining room.
The two lads sat up in bed and listened intently. Heavy footsteps tramped toward their door and it was thrown open with a quick jerk.