Part 21 (1/2)
In vain the boys racked their brains Alexis was called into consultation He also had been impressed by Brunnoi's likeness to soht upon the reseth, ”I can't place him and that's all there is about it Nevertheless, I am absolutely certain I have met him some place before to-day”
The door to their prison was now opened and food was placed upon the table in the center of the room All three were nearly fa us up for the slaughter,” said Chester with a laugh
”However, I guess they won't kill us to-day”
Slowly the hours passed There was not a singleor opening in the rooht outside But now Hal, glancing at his watch, uttered an exclaht,” he said ”Guess we ht as well turn in”
Hal and Chester tumbled into the beds, but Alexis continued to sit in his chair, brooding
”Coet to bed,” Hal called ”What on earth's the matter, anyhow?”
Alexis did not reply, and Hal repeated his question
”I was just thinking,” said the giant, ”what a fool I was to let these fellows take un apiece, we et away fro to be killed While there is life there is hope We'll get out of this ticklish situation somehow
Just be patient”
”Patient!” echoed Alexis; ”how can a man be patient cooped up in a place like this?”
”Well, it can't be helped now,” said Chester ”Come on to bed”
But Alexis was in no ; then he arose and made a tour of the room He put his hand on the doorknob and tried it It was securely locked, and the Cossack had no doubt that it was also bolted on the far side He rattled the knob angrily, but there was no answer from the outside
Alexis continued his tour of inspection He eyed the table speculatively It was reat bulk was very heavy--as much as two ordinary ht Then he growled so to himself
He also tested the chairs and even the bed on which he was to sleep, all the ti Then, his tour of the rooain Hal and Chester had been watching him from beneath lowered lids
Hal raised hi?” he asked
Alexis vouchsafed no reply
”Great Scott!” cried Chester, sitting up ”Are you going to et a little rest, that you ood idea,” growled Alexis to hiht, threw himself upon his bed
CHAPTER XV
GETTING AWAY