But Axel Regor and Max Graub were seemingly not disposed to levity, and they offered no response to their lighter minded comrade beyond vague hasty side-looks of alarm, which appeared to amuse him to an extent that threatened to go beyond the limits of caution. Sergius Thord, however, saw nothing of their interchange of glances for the moment,--he had other business to settle. Addressing himself at once to the men assembled, he said.-- “Friends and brothers! I bring you three new associates! I have not sought them; they have sought me. On their own heads be their destinies! They offer their names to the Revolutionary Committee, and their services to our Cause!” A low murmur of approbation from the company greeted this announcement. Johan Zegota advanced a little in front of all the rest. “Every man is welcome to serve us who will serve us faithfully,” he said. “But who are these new comrades, Sergius Thord? What are they?” “That they must declare for themselves,” said Thord, taking a chair at the head of the table which was evidently his accustomed place--“Put them through their examination!” He seated himself with the air of a king, his whole aspect betokening an authority that would not be trifled with or gainsaid. “Gott in Himmel!” This exclamation burst suddenly from the lips of the man called Max Graub. “What ails you?” said Thord, turning full upon him his glittering eyes that flashed ferocity from under their shaggy brows--“Are you afraid?” “Afraid? Not I!” protested Graub--“But, gentlemen, think a moment! You speak of putting us--myself and my friends--through an examination! Why should you examine us? We are three poor adventurers--what can we have to tell?” “Much, I should imagine!” retorted Zegota--“Adventurers are not such without adventures! Your white hairs testify to some experience of life.” “My white hairs--_my_ white hairs!” exclaimed Graub, when a touch from Axel Regor apparently recalled something to his mind for he began to laugh--“True, gentlemen! Very true! I had forgotten! I have had some adventures and some experiences! My good friend there, Pasquin Leroy, has also had adventures and experiences,--so have we all! Myself, I am a poor German, grown old in the service of a bad king! I have been kicked out of that service--Ach!--just for telling the truth; which is very much the end of all truth telling, is it not? Tell lies,--and kings will reward you and make you rich and great!--but tell truth, and see what the kings will give you for it! Kicks, and no halfpence! Pardon! I interrupt this so pleasant meeting!” All the men present looked at him curiously, but said nothing in response to his outburst. Johan Zegota, seating himself next to Sergius Thord, opened a large parchment volume that lay on the table, and taking up a pen addressed himself to Thord, saying-- “Will you ask the questions, or shall I?” “You, by all means! Proceed in the usual manner.” Whereupon Zegota began.-- “Stand forth, comrades!”