human
They'll be back in a few minutes, declared Colonel Anderson.
gpt
Their officers will not let them give up as long as we are here.
human
Well, we'll be ready for them,
gpt
So we will, Chester, declared Hal. He turned to Uncle John.
human
Well, what do you think of this kind of a life, sir?
gpt
It's not so bad, he replied.
human
It's a little strange to me, but you notice I have been able to fire a gun. I guess I'll get used to it in time.
gpt
You are a brave and cool-headed man, sir, declared Colonel Anderson.
human
I do not believe I was half so cool my first time under fire.
gpt
If you really knew how scared I was, you wouldn't say that,
human
What do you suppose they want now?
gpt
Don't know, replied the colonel briefly.
human
We'll see.
gpt
What do you want?
human
Want to have a talk with you,
gpt
Talk away,
human
We would give you a chance of life and to avoid further bloodshed,
gpt
There has been no bloodshed in here, returned Colonel Anderson,
human
Then you refuse to surrender?
gpt
We do; most decidedly.
human
What do you suppose they are doing?
gpt
Haven't any idea,
human
Well, you can take my word for it they are up to some mischief, declared Chester.
gpt
This silence bodes no good for us, I'll bet.
human
Well, as long as they let us alone, it's a point in our favor, declared Colonel Anderson.
gpt
It is less than an hour until daylight now. Then we shall have help.
human
The Austrians will have a whack at us before that, said Hal positively.
gpt
But I would like to know what's up.
human
So would I, declared Chester.
gpt
And I am positive that there's something.
human
I guess we'll know soon enough,
gpt
What's that funny noise out there?
human
I don't hear anything, said Hal.
gpt
You must--Wait, though. What is that noise?
human
I smell smoke,
gpt
By George! that's what's the matter, shouted Hal.
human
They are going to smoke us out and shoot us down, or burn us here like rats in a trap. What are we going to do?
gpt
Don't get excited, in the first place, replied Colonel Anderson coolly,
human
We are in a ticklish situation, and that's a fact, but there must be some way out of it. Now let's see. We can't get out the front door without being shot down. The same goes for the window as the house undoubtedly is surrounded. Then what are we to do?
gpt
There is only one thing I can think of,
human
And that?
gpt
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.
human
There is little chance of that, replied Colonel Anderson.
gpt
But it seems to be the only way. We'll do it.
human
We've stood it long enough, he said.
gpt
Guns ready, and let's go!
human
Hold on there a minute, said Chester.
gpt
We are forgetting one thing.
human
What's that?
gpt
Why, returned Chester,
human
But how can we?
gpt
Well, not by jumping out there and fighting and getting killed, all of us. I've a plan.
human
You'll have to hurry, said Hal.
gpt
It's getting too hot in here.
human
Listen then, said Chester, speaking rapidly.
gpt
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.
human
A hand up, Uncle John,
gpt
I'll be the other,
human
No, I'll go,
gpt
You forget, said Colonel Anderson,
human
Very well,