"What is it, my man?" inquired Freeman.
"Supper is ready for the officers, sir."
"Very good, Stubbles. We'll come at once."
Stubbles was Captain Freeman's "dog-robber," or field cook, one of the privates of C Company.
The steps of the departing officers soon quieted down and ceased.
"Oh, Noll, we've got to get out of here now," breathed Private Overton in an agitated tone in his bunkie's ear.
"Of course," retorted Private Terry. "We'll get out by airship, I suppose?"
"No joking, old fellow. We've simply got to get out, and then we've got to run all the way to the blasted twin oaks. You remember the place?"
"Perfectly," nodded Noll, though his bunkie could not see his head in the deep darkness of the interior of the cave.