Part 17 (1/2)
”Well, that feels some better,” said McKenzie with a laugh, as the surgeon departed. ”I feel as good as new now.”
The four were kept in the tent all night, and early the next morning were informed that they would be taken to Amsterdam at noon. The trip was made under heavy guard, and that evening the four friends found themselves secure in a military prison in the Dutch capital.
”We're safe enough here, that's certain,” declared Stubbs.
”We're safe enough, if you mean we can't out,” Hal agreed. ”But in some way or other this list must be delivered to General Pers.h.i.+ng.”
”Show the way, and we'll do it,” declared Chester.
As the friends discussed possible plans, a visitor was ushered in.
This proved to be Herr Block, the man who had a.s.sisted them to get into Germany and who only a few moments before had learned of their arrest.
”It's too bad,” he said. ”So near and yet so far, as you Americans say, eh? Tell me, is there anything I can do for you.
”You might get us out of here,” said Hal.
Herr Block smiled.
”Easily said, but not so easily done,” he made answer. ”However, I have no doubt it can be arranged.”
”You do?” exclaimed the others. ”How?”
”Well,” said Herr Block, ”you would be surprised if you realized the extent to which Holland's sympathies are with the Allies. Of course, it must not appear on the surface for it would mean war with Germany--and we are not ready for war now. However, I shall see that the door to your cell is left open tonight. When your jailer comes with your meal he will drop his keys. You will rap him over the head with something, that it may not look as though he were implicated. Then walk out of the jail and come to my quarters. No one will molest you.”
”By Jove,” said Hal. ”That's simple enough.”
”Your meal will be brought in half an hour,” he said. ”I shall be waiting for you at eight. You know the way to my quarters?”
”You'd better give me the necessary directions,” said Hal.
Herr Block did so and took his departure.
”It all sounds simple enough,” said Stubbs, ”but it doesn't sound good to me.”
”Don't croak, Stubbs,” said Chester; ”you ought to be glad to get out of here.”
”Oh, I'll be glad enough to get out, but it doesn't sound plausible.”
”Truth is stranger than fiction, Stubbs,” said Hal.
”It'll have to be this time to convince me,” declared the war correspondent.
The four became silent, awaiting the arrival of the jailer.
CHAPTER XIII
THE RETURN
It was half-past seven when the jailer entered the cell in which the four friends were imprisoned. He carried a large tray, on which was loaded food. As he entered the cell, he dropped his heavy key ring.