in the shoulder," came the weak reply. "If you've
got a handkerchief--"

The professor produced one and staunched the flow of blood as best he
could, working with the aid of his flashlight.

Meanwhile, ahead, the crash of pistols and rifles continued to split
the stillness of the passage, as the attacking party pressed forward.

"There--that does it!" gasped Stoddard, at length. "Help me up. I'll
be all right."

Prescott steadied him to his feet. They continued on.

* * * * *

Now the firing ceased, and in a moment Major Hendricks appeared, at
the head of his party.

"Well, we've got them," he said, saluting Stoddard. "How are you, old
man?"

"All right," was the gritted reply. "Let's have a look at them."

A flashlight was swept across the stolid group of Cossack prisoners,
but as Stoddard peered into one face after another, he realized that
Krassnov was not among them.

"You haven't got the leader," he said. "See here, you birds," he
addressed the Cossacks, "where is he, eh?"

If they understood, they gave no indication of it, but shook their
heads sullenly.

"Well, damn it, we'll find him!" Stoddard wheeled and strode past
them. "Give me three or four men, Major. I'll smoke out that Russian
bear. He must be here somewhere."

Hendricks sent the main body above, with their prisoners, and gave
him the men he wanted, putting himself at their head.

"You'd better go on up, too, Professor," said Stoddard, addressing
Prescott. "You've risked enough, in my behalf."

But the older man shook his head.

"No, I'll come along, if you don't mind," he insisted. "I want to see
the end of this thing."

* * * * *

It was an end that came with dramatic suddenness.

Pausing before a barred door some fifty paces down the passage, they
were debating what their next move would be--when suddenly it was
flung open.

"Come in, gentlemen," came a suave, ironical voice. "Sorry my servants
were so uncivil."

In the glare of light from beyond, Stoddard and the professor saw that
it was Prince Krassnov.

He stood there unarmed, smiling.

"Is this the fellow?" rasped Major Hendricks, his automatic levelled.

"It is," said Stoddard.

Slowly, cautiously, they followed the man into the room, which in
reality was merely the end of the passage sealed off, though its walls
were richly panelled and it was luxuriously furnished.

Pausing beside a small, heavy