"Well, I'm not much of a hand with a knife," Chester declared. "I have been slashed a couple of times, but every time I think of a knife being drawn through my flesh it makes me shudder. Now, a gun is another matter."
"I agree with you, Chester," said Hal. "However, if we can't get guns we won't turn down knives if we can get our hands on them."
"Right you are, sir," said Gregory. "Now, I've lived long enough in the northwest to realize the value of a good knife when I get my hands on it. A weapon is a weapon after all, sir."
"Only some are better than others," Smith interrupted.
"We won't argue about that," said Hal, "since we have decided that the first thing we need are weapons. Of course, that means that first we must have one weapon. One will mean others. Now, I'll suggest this: I'm no pickpocket, but someone will come in here directly to give us food or something, and I'm no good if I can't, relieve him of a gun or a knife, providing I get close enough to him."
"And then what?" demanded Chester.
"One thing at a time, old man," said Hal. "We'll have to leave most of this to chance."
"Anything suits me," Chester declared. "Listen, I think someone is coming now."
Chester was right. A moment later the officer to whom the lads had surrendered entered the tent. He greeted the lads with a smile.
"I've heard of your treatment," he said. "I won't presume to criticize my superior officer, but I just want to say that I admire your bravery no matter what brought you into our lines."