“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 have to be careful.”

“We shall indeed,” returned his chum.  “One little slip and there is no telling what may happen.”

Night brought them to Ivan’s cavern again and there they decided to spend the night.  It had now been more than twenty-four hours since they had closed their eyes and all were tired out.

They experienced no difficulty getting Nicolas under the rock into the cavern, nor did the Montenegrin seek to attack them as they crawled after him, as Hal had half feared he would.  He seemed completely dejected and downcast.  He had not spoken a word during the day’s march.

“I’ll put him in your erstwhile prison,” Ivan said to Chester with a grin.  “I guess he’ll be safe enough there for the night.”

He did so.

“Well, I’m going to turn in,” said Stubbs.  “I’m dead for sleep.  I tell you, it’s no fun hoofing it over these mountains, particularly when you are guarding a prisoner like I have been all day, never knowing what minute he may make a break for liberty.  No, sir, it’s no fun.”

“Did you watch him pretty closely, Stubbs?” asked Chester.

“I did,” replied Stubbs, briefly.

“Why?” continued Chester.  “Afraid he might jump you?  Hope you didn’t think he could catch you if you had a two-foot start.”

Stubbs drew himself up majestically.

“What do you mean by that?” he demanded in a ruffled tone.

“Oh, nothing,” said Chester, smiling.

“If you mean to insinuate that I was afraid—­” began Stubbs in an injured tone.

“What!” interrupted Chester.  “You afraid, Mr. Stubbs?  You do me an injustice, I assure you.  Why, I have seen you fight, Mr. Stubbs.  Now, do you, by any chance, remember your battle with three wildcats?”