"I judge not," replied Chester. "They seem, to be waiting for something."
"Maybe they're waiting for our friend, whom we have tied up here, said
Major Derevaux.
"By Jove! I hadn't thought of that," said Hal. "We may be able to make use of him."
The lad stepped quickly across the room and lifted the German to his feet.
"I'm going to remove your gag," he said quietly, "but I want you to understand that if you make an outcry you'll never live to make a second. Do you understand?"
The German signified that he did.
"All right, then," said Hal, "out comes the gag. Chester, keep your gun in the middle of his back. We can afford to take no chances."
"Now," said Hal, "I want you to show yourself at the door and order your men there away."
The German eyed the lad angrily.
"So you want me to help you escape, eh?" he said. "Well, I won't do it."