Phil’s first trip into the cellar was a short one. In less than five minutes he returned to the head of the stairs without the light and offered this startling announcement in low but clear tones:
“Fellows, I’ve made a great discovery. If you’re game, there’s a good chance for us to escape.”
CHAPTER XVI
PLANS FOR ESCAPE
Everybody was eager to hear of Phil’s discovery, and a chorus of low-toned demands for an explanation followed his announcement.
“It isn’t a very romantic discovery,” the explorer of the cellar replied. “In fact, it’s very ordinary and points toward some hard work for us.”
“We’re used to that,” returned one of the prisoners quickly. “Out with it. Don’t keep us guessing.”
“There’s a regular outfit of excavating tools down there,” the boy sergeant explained. “They were concealed behind some boxes, and I suppose that’s the reason the boche invaders never found them. There’s a spade, shovel, pick and hoe there—all in good condition.”
“Do you mean to suggest that we dig our way out of this place?” asked Phil’s last inquisitor.
“Sure—why not?” was the reply.
“We’d have to tunnel out—clear to the other side of their outposts.”