"And I am glad you see it that way," declared Nicolas, extending a hand,
which Ivan grasped, much to his distaste. "I have long wanted a trusted
lieutenant, and you shall be he."

"Thanks, Nicolas," returned Ivan. "I had not expected that. Had you told
me before it might have influenced me sooner. But now I shall have the
others approach. By the way, you speak German?"

"Yes."

"Good; then there is no need of an interpreter."

He raised his hand and at the signal the others came forward. Ivan
presented each in turn, applying to each a German name that had been
agreed upon during the night's travel. Nicolas expressed his pleasure at
seeing them and after a few words of pleasantry, said:

"Now, gentlemen, if you will accompany me to my quarters, I shall try and
make you feel at home."

As they walked along Hal and Chester took stock of the Montenegrin. Big
he was, fully as tall and as broad as Ivan himself, and his great arms
hung below his knees. He was the personification of rugged strength and
brutality. From Nicolas the lads turned their eyes to Ivan. There was
scarcely a noticeable difference in the stature of the two men and from
casual observation it would have been hard to choose between them in the
matter of strength. But the one noticeable difference was in the eyes.

Ivan's eyes looked one straight in the face, while Nicolas' shifted