“We are hungry, and want something to eat and to drink,” went on Silvers, and pointed to his mouth.
At this the soldier shrugged his shoulders.
“We will pay for whatever you get us,” went on the sharpshooter, showing the gold coin. “You buy us something, and keep half the money.”
The eyes of the peasant opened widely at sight of the gold coin, the like of which he had not seen for months, for his pay as a soldier was but a few francs per week.
“I no—you——” he stammered.
For reply Silvers made a motion as to cut the coin in half. Then he pointed to the soldier’s pocket and then to his own mouth and to Henry’s mouth. The peasant comprehended and a dull smile overspread his features. He went out to consult the other soldier on guard.
A few minutes later the fellow came back and took the gold coin. Then, regardless of army regulations, he left his gun with his companion and stole away in the darkness.
“He has gone for the food,” whispered Silvers to Henry. “Now the question is, shall we wait for him to get back, or make a dash for liberty?”
“Let us try for liberty,” exclaimed the young soldier eagerly. “If we can only get away, I am sure we can find something to eat somewhere.”
“I have a plan,” said the sharpshooter. “Do you see yonder chimney?”