human
They seem to take pains to make it pleasant for a man about to die, remarked Colonel Anderson.
gpt
We should be able to spend a profitable day.
human
So we should, was the reply.
gpt
I wonder if Hal and Uncle John got through safely?
human
I guess we can bank on that, said the colonel.
gpt
They got through if there was a possible chance.
human
I hope that Hal does not venture into the Austrian lines in an attempt to rescue us, declared Chester.
gpt
It would be sticking his head into the lion's mouth.
human
Nevertheless, that is what he is likely to do, asserted Colonel Anderson.
gpt
It is not like him to keep quiet when some one is in danger.
human
That's what worries me, confessed Chester.
gpt
There is no use of his being killed, too.
human
Oh, well, said the colonel,
gpt
It seems to me that we could get out of this place some way,
human
It seems to me that you are wrong, said, the colonel grimly.
gpt
There are five guards outside, each armed to the teeth. What chance would we have?
human
Well, I don't know, confessed Chester.
gpt
I was just thinking.
human
Think while you have a chance, said the colonel with a slight grin.
gpt
Looks like our thinking days were about over.
human
We might as well have a little fun, anyhow, he remarked.
gpt
How hard do you think you could hit a man with that chair you are sitting on?
human
Well, pretty hard, I guess, was his reply.
gpt
What's the idea?
human
Think you could hit him so hard he wouldn't have time to cry out?
gpt
Yes; if I was particular how I handled it.
human
Well, we'll have a try at it then,
gpt
Try at what? What do you mean?
human
I'll tell you. I'll step out of the tent. The first guard in sight will order me to get back inside. I'll protest. Then he'll put me in. When he lets loose of me, you whack him over the head with that chair, and be careful how you do it.
gpt
Yes, but the other guards?
human
I guess we can work that all right. I have noticed that no two of the guards are in front of the tent at the same time--they are walking around all the time. When you have disposed of the first man, we'll work the same trick on the other.
gpt
And then what?
human
Why then, said Chester simply,
gpt
By Jove! ejaculated the colonel.
human
Now I wonder--
gpt
It may work, he said.
human
We'll try it. But we'll have to move quickly and silently; and we shall have to don the uniforms almost in a single jump.
gpt
All right, said Chester.
human
Ready?
gpt
All ready,