“Great Scott!” muttered Chester. “I have read of these things, but I never expected to see one.”
The rock fell into place behind them, and the boys saw that they stood in a well-lighted compartment, in which stood a table and chairs. Their guards led them further along, to where they perceived a closed door. On this one of their captors knocked sharply.
“Come in,” came a deep voice from beyond the door.
One of the guards opened the heavy wooden door, and stood back, signifying for the prisoners to enter.
The three friends did so. The room was brilliantly lighted. At a large mahogany desk sat a man in a military uniform, though of what country or what his rank the boys could not tell, for they had never seen a similar uniform and the man wore no shoulder straps. The chairs in the room were beautifully upholstered, and pictures were hung about the walls. All this the lads saw at a single glance.
The man at the desk rose and approached them. He bowed slightly, and, after ordering their hands released, indicated three nearby chairs.
“Be seated, if you please,” he said politely, at the same time motioning the guards to withdraw.
Hal, Chester and Alexis did as requested. There was now no question of the man’s identity in the mind of any. He wore a long white beard and had a pleasant, kindly face.
Hal rose to his feet.
“Are you Brunnoi?” he asked.