Boris caught the sound and looked up sharply. He opened his mouth to make a remark to the guard, but Jack, perceiving that Boris was about to cause trouble, raised a warning finger. Boris’ mouth closed without saying a word, although Jack could see that he choked back the words at the tip of his tongue with an effort.
The lad smiled to himself.
“He’ll be a pretty good partner,” he muttered.
They followed the guard until they again stood in the presence of General Surgoff. The latter eyed them evilly as they approached, and motioned for Jack to step forward. The lad did so unhesitatingly. Boris would have followed, but the guards shoved him back among the crowd of other prisoners.
Jack looked quickly around as he stepped toward the Russian general. Some distance away, perhaps two hundred yards, he made out several sleighs, all ready to be put in use.
“If there were only one,” he muttered; and he determined in that moment to try and frighten the other horses as he leaped into one sled.
He faced the Russian commander.
“And how do you feel this morning?” asked the general.
“Not very well, thank you, sir,” returned Jack quietly.
“Feel like another little whipping will do you good, eh? Well, you shall have it.”