Part 28 (1/2)

”You go back in the tent,” said the guard. ”I'll probably be along later with my friend. I need the money, and will take a chance.”

”Good!” said Hal, and disappeared within.

Hal explained the situation to the others, and added:

”Of course, the man's idea is that he and his friend, by playing together, will win by cheating. Well, that doesn't make any difference to us. Let them have the money. All we want is to get out of here. I don't know much about playing cards, anyhow. But let no man make a move until I give the word.”

The others nodded their understanding of this to him.

”We may as well get started, so it won't look bad,” said Chester.

The six seated themselves on the ground, and Gregory dealt out the cards.

”I can't understand how a man will take a chance like this guard,” said Chester.

”He says he needs money,” declared Hal.

”But even so,” said Chester, ”he should have sense enough--?”

”You haven't forgotten he is German, have you?” demanded Jackson. ”I was brought up among them to some extent. One idea is all a true German's head will hold at one time. That's the truth. And if he gets an idea in his head, you can't get it out.

”Shh-h!” said Hal. ”Here comes someone.”

A moment later the guard with whom the lad had conversed entered the tent. A second man followed him.

”Quiet!” whispered the first guard.

The two men sat down among the others. Each laid his rifle within easy reach of his hand, and each loosened a revolver in his belt.

”Go on with the game,” said the first German in a low voice.

Gregory dealt out the cards.

CHAPTER XXI

FLIGHT

It was not Hal's intention to attempt a break for liberty as soon as the Germans entered the tent. He knew that the two men would be on their guard at least until their interest in the game had overcome their vigilance.

Neither Hal nor Chester were proficient in card playing. The game of poker had not been included in their education. Nevertheless, each knew the value of the cards, and they felt that a situation like this would justify their taking a hand, considering the ends in view.

The German with whom Hal had conversed just outside the tent had poor luck from the start, but his companion won. So far the men had made no, attempt to play together, thus taking advantage of their prisoners. But it wasn't long before they did.

There came a time when Gregory noticed this. He grew angry.

”Here!” he exclaimed. ”That kind of playing won't go. This is a friendly game, and I don't stand for that kind of work.”

The Germans looked up in well-simulated surprise. They indicated by gestures that Gregory was doing them an injustice; the game proceeded.