“It has indeed,” said Jack in reply. “My shoulders are bruised and bleeding. There are several welts across my face, and my legs and arms are very painful. But they feel better, now that I know I shall not stand still and receive more blows of the same kind.”
“Well, you have put your mark on the general, anyhow,” said Boris, his tone greatly pleased.
“So I have; but I have paid dearly for it,” responded Jack.
It was Boris who finally put an end to the conversation.
“Take my advice,” he said, “and get what rest you can to-day and to-night. To-morrow is near and there is no telling when you will sleep again. It is always well when a man has rested before he undertakes a desperate venture. He is in better condition.”
“Your advice is good; I shall heed it,” said Jack.
He lay down again in his corner and soon was asleep.
All day and all that night the two prisoners rested in the dungeon as well as they were able. It was impossible to sleep all the time, but they did no walking about; and when morning came they felt well and fit.
Each gulped down the water and bread that was thrust through the bars to them early in the morning; and each was on edge when the guard unlocked the heavy door and called upon them to emerge from their prison.
Boris stepped out as lively as a kitten, but Jack, to whom the work ahead seemed to be more serious, walked quietly, with head bent. Apparently taking the lad’s attitude for one of fear, the Russian guard sneered audibly.