But he was forced to believe what his eyes saw. Count de Reslau and Brunnoi, the bandit chief, were one and the same man. There could be no doubt of that.
In vain did the bandit struggle to free himself from Hal's firm grasp. The lad clung to him tightly in spite of all his efforts. Then, realizing that the Grand Duke must be convinced, he dropped the beard to the ground and stepped back while half a dozen rifles covered the count.
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."
"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.
"We stumbled upon your automobile garage in the mountains," said Hal quietly. "Of course, when we returned, the count was waiting for us. Why he left us behind alive when he came back here, I don't know, but I now remember how greatly surprised the count was to see us back safely. Immediately he planned to get us out of the way. Hence the attack the other night, in which we were fortunate enough to capture him."
"But the escape?" demanded the Grand Duke. "How did he escape?"
"Very simple," replied Hal. "The man to whom you gave the pass to see the prisoner was of course not Count de Reslau, but a man made up to resemble him. Am I right, count?"
"Yes," replied the bandit. "I have kept him near me for that very purpose. He had his orders that in the event I was ever arrested, he would make up to resemble me."
"Exactly," continued Hal. "Once alone with the prisoner the rest was easy. He removed his disguise, and Brunnoi removed his. Brunnoi came out as Count de Reslau, and the other man stayed. Naturally, the first thing the count thought of when he was free was to dispose of Chester and myself. Hence his call this morning. As he escaped from Alexis I succeeded in pulling off his beard. That's all there is to it."