said nothing.

"I'm glad to see you're sensible," Hal continued. "Now you will take the
lead, and for your own sake, I advise you to take the shortest cut in the
general direction of Cettinje. Ivan, and you, Nikol, will see that he
goes in the proper direction."

The dwarf's face was covered by a comical grin and his long arms waved
about eagerly as he gave his assent. He turned to Stubbs.

"You will walk with me?" he asked.

For a moment Stubbs hesitated. He gazed first at the little man and
then at the great bulk of Nicolas. Then his eyes roved to the huge
form of Ivan.

"By Jove! I'd rather be alongside Ivan there," he muttered to himself,
"but it wouldn't do to let this little fellow think I'm afraid. You're
taking a long chance, Anthony, but I guess you had better do it. All
right," he said to Nikol, and ranged himself at the dwarf's side.

"I wouldn't try any tricks if I were you, Nicolas," said Ivan, as he
swung into step behind the traitor, Nickol and Stubbs, the prisoner in
the center.

Colonel Edwards and Colonel Anderson came next in line and Hal and
Chester brought up the rear.

"It's a good two days' journey back," said Hal to Chester, "and, the
chances are, we will encounter many of Nicolas' friends en route. We'll