“Let us go out and watch the proceedings,” he said.
“Very well,” agreed the Grand Duke, and they hurried after the firing squad and the prisoners.
The lads stood facing their would-be executioners when the Grand Duke and Count de Reslau appeared. At that moment, Hal felt something in his pocket that gave him a sudden thrill.
“I am going to take one last chance,” he said to Chester. To the Duke he called: “Your Excellency, may I make a last request?”
The Grand Duke nodded an assent.
“I would say once more, Your Excellency,” said Hal, “that we are innocent. But,” he paused, “I can produce Brunnoi himself!”
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE MYSTERY CLEARED.
Chester stared in astonishment at his friend. Had he gone mad and taken this means of staying their execution?
The Grand Duke staggered back a step, and Count de Reslau smiled incredulously.