He stepped in front of Frank. Taking something from his pocket he inserted it in the keyhole. Then he stepped back as the door swung open. Frank led the way inside. The Russian followed closely. CHAPTER XXVII. A FIGHT WITH A MADMAN. When Jack came to himself he was sitting in a chair in a well lighted room. For a moment the blinding glare made it impossible for the lad to make out his surroundings, but gradually his eyes became accustomed to the light. Before him, an evil smile on his face and a revolver in his hand, stood a large man in an attitude of leisurely nonchalance. Jack recognized Count Blowinski instantly and made a move as though to rise. "Sit still!" commanded the count harshly. Jack sank back in his chair. He said nothing. "Well," said the count, "so we meet again, eh, Lieutenant Templeton? I believe that is the name, isn't it. Lieutenant Templeton." "That is my name," said Jack. "Well, I don't know whether it is or not. But before I am through with you it won't make much difference what your name is--perhaps I should say, was." Jack made no reply to this threat and the count continued: "It grieves me much that I cannot also have with us your friend and fellow-spy. I would have brought him along, but I couldn't very well carry both of you. So I chose you, because you are the largest." "Thanks," said Jack dryly. "Oh, well," said the count, "I'll go back when I have disposed of you. Maybe he will still be there." "In that event," said Jack to himself, "it is up to me to play for time." Aloud he said: "Seems to me one of us should satisfy you." "So it would, under ordinary circumstances," said the count. "But these are extraordinary circumstances. You both tricked me. Therefore you shall both pay. If I cannot find your friend when I return to hunt for him, I shall find him later." "There is one thing that pleases me, at any rate," said Jack. "I am glad to hear that," returned the count. "Would it be impolite for me to inquire what that one thing may be?" "Not at all. The thing that pleases me is to know that eventually you will suffer for your treachery. The idea of a man of your kind selling out to the enemy." "That's enough of that kind of talk," said the count angrily. "Another word like that, and I'll shoot you as you sit there." "I can't see that the time will make any difference," said Jack quietly. "Neither will it," was the reply. "However, I intend to use my own judgment." "And may I ask how you intend to perform this execution?" asked Jack. "You may," was the reply. "I intend that you shall sit in that chair. I shall move back a ways, for I want to do a little practice. It will make no difference if I do not kill you with the first shot; in fact I had rather that I did not. A little suffering won't be too great payment for what you have done." "You are a nice sort of a gentleman, aren't you," said Jack.