Part 47 (1/2)

”Who knows?” he said quietly. ”We'll have to leave something to chance.”

”And Miss Ellison?”

”A uniform for her also,” said Hal decisively. ”It's the only way.”

”But--”

”Oh, I know it is a desperate chance,” exclaimed Hal. ”But certainly it is better than sitting down and awaiting the arrival of the firing squad.”

”You're right, Hal,” said Chester. ”But it's a ticklish business and one that will require nerve.”

”It's not a question of nerve, when you know what's in store in the morning,” said Hal. ”But as this is my plan, I'll do the work, or what part of it I may.”

”You're the doctor,” Chester agreed.

”Now,” said Hal, ”we'll try and get a little sleep. We can do nothing until after dark, and the better our physical conditions, the better our chances for escape.”

CHAPTER XXVIII.

THROUGH THE NIGHT.

Hal, Chester, Colonel Anderson, Nikol and Ivan slept. The first three, veterans of many campaigns and hards.h.i.+ps, had schooled themselves to sleep under almost any conditions. The same might be said of Nikol and Ivan because of days spent in the mountain fastness, where danger lurked at all times.

Stubbs, however, although he bore up bravely under the death sentence, was unable to sleep, try as he would. Nor could Helen gain a much needed rest, though she was not conscious that she was at all afraid. So these two talked during the long hours of the day as the others slept peacefully and deeply.

With the coming of darkness a man entered bearing a tray with bread and water. The others awakened now and all did full justice to the frugal meal. Their hands were untied while they ate, but the meal over, they were bound again.

Then all waited for what seemed hours, though in reality it could not have been more than three. Then Hal addressed Nikol.

”Still think you can break your bonds?”

”I can,” replied Nikol quietly.

”And you, Ivan?”

”Yes, although it won't make much difference. Nikol could release the rest of us.”

”I thought the second tying-up might have made it impossible,” said Hal.

”I'm ready any time you give the word,” said Nikol.

”Then do it now,” said Hal.

The others gazed curiously as Nikol made his little form still smaller.

He drew in his chest as much as possible and then expanded suddenly, at the same time thrusting out with his strong arms. There was a report as of a revolver being discharged, though much fainter, and Nikol was free.

”Ha!” said Ivan. ”He did it. Now watch me.”

The mighty muscles of the giant strained once and the strong rope snapped. Ivan did not seem to have exerted himself.