There was one chance in a thousand that one of them might come alone in the morning to bring him food, and he resolved to climb up the ladder the moment he heard footsteps above him, and with his pocket knife try to fight his way to freedom.
With this comforting thought, he dropped off to sleep.
Following the writing of the note, Barrows slipped back to his office and told LeBlanc to make one attempt to seize the boys, then if that failed, they would use their ruse to attract them from the camp.
How this attempt succeeded has already been told, and all LeBlanc got for his pains was a smash on the hand where Phil’s clubbed rifle had hit him.
He hastened back cursing, and told Barrows of the failure, and after being upbraided was told to go to the rendezvous where the capture of the boys was to be made.
Barrows then went to the cookhouse, where the unkempt individual that was to act as bearer was waiting, and gave him his final instructions.
“Now,” said the vindictive manager, “we shall see who wins, a pack of mere children, or Gene Barrows!”
CHAPTER XV
MISERY CAMP
Now let us return to Garry and Phil, whom we left struggling in the hands of their captors. Only one voice did they recognize in the orders that were given, but this was enough to let them know that they were in the worst kind of trouble. It was the voice of LeBlanc.
“Phil, that’s LeBlanc’s voice or I’m crazy,” ejaculated Garry.