Part 44 (1/2)
”There is only one thing I can think of,” declared Hal.
”And that?”
”As long as we are playing for time, stay here until we can stand it no longer because of the heat. Then make a break for it. Perhaps we can take them by surprise, grab four horses and get a good start.”
”There is little chance of that,” replied Colonel Anderson. ”But it seems to be the only way. We'll do it.”
Their plans thus made, they waited patiently, conversing in low tones, the while keeping their eyes open. The flames were crackling merrily now, and the heat was becoming intense, while occasional clouds of smoke rolled into the single room. It was too hot to remain still. Colonel Anderson spoke. ”We've stood it long enough,” he said. ”Guns ready, and let's go!”
CHAPTER XXVII.
A SACRIFICE.
”Hold on there a minute,” said Chester. ”We are forgetting one thing.”
”What's that?” demanded Colonel Anderson.
”Why,” returned Chester, ”that at least one of us must get back to General Ferrari and give him the information we were sent after.”
”But how can we?”
”Well, not by jumping out there and fighting and getting killed, all of us. I've a plan.”
”You'll have to hurry,” said Hal. ”It's getting too hot in here.”
”Listen then,” said Chester, speaking rapidly. ”I'll climb up to this window and drop out. They won't shoot at me at first, because they naturally will think I am about to surrender. When I get to the bottom, I'll wait for either you or Colonel Anderson, as you may decide. When one of you reach my side, we'll both run. The Austrians will give chase. When I yell, the two who remain here will make a break out the door, try to find a couple of horses and head for the Italian lines. Come, now, let's get busy.”
Without awaiting a reply, he crossed to the window.
”A hand up, Uncle John,” he said quietly.
The latter hurried to his side, and making a step of his uncle's hand, Chester pulled himself up. A moment later he disappeared.
”I'll be the other,” declared Colonel Anderson and started toward the window. Hal stretched out a hand and detained him.
”No, I'll go,” he said.
”You forget,” said Colonel Anderson, ”that I am in command of this expedition, sir. I command you to obey my orders.”
Hal stepped back.
”Very well,” he said slowly.
Uncle John gave the colonel a hand up, and then hurried to Hal's side, and the two stood awaiting the word that would send them from their fiery retreat in a wild dash through the Austrian troops without.
Suddenly the sound came. Hal heard it plainly--Chester's voice, raised in a shout in English.
”All right! Go!”