The Grand Duke, with a wave of his arm, instructed the officer in command of the firing squad to release the two lads. Then he ordered him to conduct the bandit chief to his quarters, and motioned the lads to follow. Inside the tent the Grand Duke turned upon his false friend.
“De Reslau,” he said, addressing the prisoner, “we have been friends, and for that reason I am offering you a chance to make a satisfactory explanation–if you can.”
“I have nothing to say,” replied the prisoner.
“Will you tell me how you have conducted your operations?”
The bandit did not reply and Hal stepped forward.
“Your Excellency,” he said, “I believe I can rehearse it from beginning to end. The count probably will correct me if I am wrong.”
The Grand Duke ordered him to proceed.
“Well,” said Hal, “the count knew of our mission. We went horseback, but the count, being prepared for these rapid journeys, proceeded by automobile.”
The bandit chief glanced at the lad in surprise.
“How did you know that?” he demanded.