“Now,” said Chester, turning the subject, “the question is what they will do with us in view of the trouble we stirred up to-day?”
Harding shrugged.
“It’s hard to tell,” he answered. “It all depends on their mood. It may be that they will prescribe a week or so of solitary confinement, the lash, or the matter may be overlooked. You never can tell.”
“Great Scott!” said Hal. “We can’t stand for solitary confinement. I must tell you something, Harding. It is absolutely necessary that we get away from here without delay—at least that we make the attempt.”
Harding shook his head.
“Remember the story of Judson,” he said slowly.
“Well, it can’t be helped,” declared Chester. “We’ll have to risk it.”
Harding looked at the lad sharply.
“You mean that you have some particular reason?” he asked.
Chester nodded affirmatively, and then, in a few words, explained the mission with which they had been entrusted by General Pershing.