Part 32 (2/2)

”How can we escape in these clothes?” asked Fenn, looking at his overalls and jumper.

”I'm not so afraid as you are of meeting the girls,” spoke Bart. ”Let's eat now. I wish it was night!”

The chums thought they had never known such a long day. At noon their dinner was served, the same precaution being observed as with the breakfast. With supper the man brought a lantern which he hung up on a hook in the ceiling. Then he went out, closing the door and locking it.

All the while the barge had been steaming ahead.

”Wonder why they used that trap door to take the things away by last night?” asked Ned.

”Probably to impress us with the mystery of the thing,” answered Bart.

”Lucky they didn't close it tight or we'd never noticed where it was.”

They ate their supper and waited in anxiety until it would be late enough to make the attempt to escape. They wanted to delay until all but the watchmen would be asleep. At last Bart said he thought it must be close to midnight. The lantern was taken down, and, using the spoons, they slid back the trap door.

”I'll go first with the lantern,” said Bart. ”The rest of you follow.

Don't make a bit of noise. We must make our way to the deck, somehow, and, as soon as you do, rush for the side and overboard. We can easily swim ash.o.r.e. No matter what kind it is, it's better than being held here prisoners.”

”What about our clothes?” asked Fenn.

”If you want to ask for 'em, go ahead,” said Bart. ”I wouldn't stop for a full dress suit now. These togs are good enough for me.”

Cautiously Bart began to descend the steps. The lantern showed a black hold, filled with boxes and barrels. The others followed, stepping gingerly, for they were in their bare feet.

Bart looked about for some means of reaching the deck. Ahead he saw a glimmer of light. Placing the lantern where it would show him the way back he went closer. He found the light was at the head of a companionway which he ascended and noticed it led to the after part of the barge. He could feel the cool wind blowing on his face.

”We'll chance it,” he said, and he went back to tell his chums.

They made their way up the stairs, pausing to listen. There was no sound save the throbbing of the engine and the churn of the screw.

”I see the stars,” whispered Ned. ”This must lead to the deck.”

It did, and two minutes more and they stood at the side of the barge, ready to leap overboard. They could see the sh.o.r.e not far away.

”Come on!” said Bart in a low tone.

At that instant a voice called:

”Hi there! Come back! Captain, the boys are escaping!”

The sound of feet running across the deck toward them could be heard.

Then, in the light of a lantern, a man was seen approaching where the chums stood.

”Overboard!” yelled Bart.

There were four splashes in the water, and the four boys were striking out for sh.o.r.e.

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