Part 17 (2/2)

Hal pounced upon it.

The man's back was toward him. The lad raised the heavy ring, but he did not strike.

”Here, jailer,” he said; ”you've dropped your keys.”

The jailer looked around. Hal hoped he would spring forward, that he might have an excuse for striking, but the man only said simply:

”You know what to do with them.”

He turned his back again. For a moment Hal hesitated.

”Well,” he said finally, ”if it has to be done, the sooner the better.”

He raised the heavy bunch of keys aloft again, and brought it down on the jailer's head. The man dropped to the floor and lay still. Hal threw the keys down beside him.

”Hope I didn't hurt him too much,” he muttered. He turned to the others. ”Now,” he said, ”shall we eat of this food or shall we leave at once?”

”Let's get out of here,” said Stubbs. ”We can eat any time. Something may turn up to defeat our plan.”

But nothing did.

Hal led the way from the cell and along a long corridor. At the end were steps, which the friends mounted quietly. At the top they found it necessary to pa.s.s through what appeared to be the office of the superintendent, or whoever was in charge. Inside a man sat at a desk.

Hal hesitated a moment. He knew there was little prospect of all pa.s.sing through without attracting the man's attention, and he had no means of knowing whether this man was a party to the plot or not.

However, the lad moved forward again, and the others followed without question.

The man at the desk s.h.i.+fted his position, and Hal stepped quickly toward him, his fist ready to strike. He caught low words:

”Hurry up and get out of here.”

The lad's hand dropped to his side, and he made haste toward the door on the far side of the room. Through this all pa.s.sed safely, and Hal stood before a door he felt sure led to the street. The door opened easily, and Hal, Chester, McKenzie and Stubbs pa.s.sed out into the darkness.

Stubbs heaved a sigh of pure relief.

”Well, we did do it,” he muttered. ”I didn't believe it possible.

Wish I had some of that grub now.”

”Wouldn't be surprised if Herr Block could rustle us up something to eat,” said McKenzie. ”He seems to be a right resourceful sort of a customer.”

Hal found Herr Block's quarters without difficulty. It appeared that Herr Block had antic.i.p.ated that they would be hungry, for he had a tempting repast already spread when they arrived. To this the four friends did full justice, for they were, indeed, hungry.

”Now,” said Herr Block when they had finished, ”if you will tell me what success you had on your mission and how you managed I will appreciate it. After that, I will see you safely into your own lines.

I have a large automobile waiting, and you may depart at any time; but I am greatly interested in your adventures.”

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