uneasily when he was observed closely. It was the difference in the eyes
that told the difference between the two men better than anything else.

Presently Nicolas stopped before an extremely large hut, built up close
beside a giant rock. He stood aside and motioned the others to enter.
They did so and Nicolas, after a word to his men, came in after them and
closed the door. Then he motioned them all to seats and sat down himself.
He eyed his guests in silence for a few moments, and finally remarked:

"Well?"

Hal took it upon himself to do the talking.

"First," he said, "we would like to know how you are progressing?"

"Beautifully," was Nicolas' reply. "I have distributed the gold given me
for that purpose, first, of course, taking out my own share. The
Albanians, knowing the poverty of the Montenegrins, have been convinced
by the gold that final success in this war must crown the Austrian arms.
Austrian sentiment is becoming greater each day. But I need more money."

"That is what we have come to see you about," said Hal. "You see,
that while you are well informed as to just what is going on here, we
have only your word for it. You may be telling the truth--and you may
be lying."

Nicolas jumped to his feet, his fingers twitching.

"You dare--" he began.