Hal nodded.
"It seems best to me."
"Then I shall follow the directions we agreed upon," said Chester. "I'll start in exactly an hour."
"And remember," said Hal, "that one of us must get through, no matter what happens."
"Right," Chester agreed. "Should you get into trouble, I'll lend a helping hand should I come across you and find that it is possible without endangering my own chances of getting through. Otherwise, you will have to shift for yourself."
"That's the spirit," declared Hal. "Help if you can without compromising yourself, but always remember that one of us must get through. Now I'm off."
He held out his hand, which Chester grasped warmly.
"I'm hoping nothing happens," said the latter quietly. "But you never can tell. Good-bye."
"Good-bye," said Hal.
He gave Chester's hand a parting grip, turned on his heel and strode away. Chester stood looking after him for some moments. Then he moved on slowly.