“Why not?”
“I have every reason to believe that the Russians have placed a mine under it.”
At these words there was much astonishment, and Gilbert and Ben had to tell all they knew. Mined bridges are not new, and before long an examination of the structure was made and some dynamite and powder located, along with an electric battery and wire, set to explode the mine the moment an extra heavy weight should pass onto the bridge.
“Captain, you have done us a great service,” said the commander of the artillery to Gilbert. “I shall not forget this and shall report it to the general.” But the report was never sent in, for the reason that two days later the captain of artillery was killed, along with nearly half of the men composing his battery.
From the captain Gilbert and Ben learned where to find the command to which they belonged. In the meantime, Casey and Stummer joined the others—walking over the bridge when it was safe to do so—and the four went forward as before.
“Dot vos a great ding to do—safe dot pattery,” remarked Stummer. “Dot vos a fedder mit your cab in, cabtain.”
“Oh, I did no more than my duty,” said Gilbert modestly. And then he insisted upon changing the subject.
When the camp was gained late that evening many were astonished to hear what both Gilbert and Ben had to tell. They reported in full, and told of the movements of the enemy so far as they knew them.
“It was a daring thing to escape from that prison,” said one of their superior officers. “Had they caught sight of you, they would surely have shot you down.”
“We knew the risk we were running,” answered Ben. “We don’t want another such experience.”