Hal and Chester uttered exclamations of surprise. Confronting them, in the doorway, was the smiling face of Brunnoi, who was to have been put to death an hour before. In his hand he held two revolvers, covering the lads.
“You see I have kept my word,” he said. “I was not shot.”
“How did you escape?” demanded Hal, asking the only question he could think of at that moment.
“Never mind that,” replied the bandit. “Get your clothes on quickly, and come with me.”
Under the muzzles of the two revolvers, the lads dressed hurriedly. The presence of Alexis in the adjoining room–the giant lying completely covered up by bed clothes–passed unnoticed. But Alexis, beneath his covering, heard what was going on and understood.
“Go out ahead of me,” ordered Brunnoi.
He dropped his two revolvers into side pockets, but kept his fingers on the trigger of each.
“One false move and I’ll drop you,” he said quietly. “Now, march!”
Slowly the lads left the room, and Brunnoi followed them; but hardly had they disappeared through the door, when Alexis bounded out of bed and silently followed.
At the outside door, Brunnoi stepped back to allow his captives to pass out first. For an instant he was off his guard. It was Alexis’ opportunity and he leaped suddenly forward.