Still, now that Ned had seen help so close at hand, he did not despair. What he could not get in himself might be sent to him from the outside.
That night he told his chums what he had seen, and their spirits rose wonderfully at the news.
“They will be on the outlook, I am sure, therefore we must let them know whereabouts we are located.” After some consultation the idea struck them to hang out a bit of rag from one of the narrow air-holes. If they did this that night, it was almost sure to be noticed and understood by those on the watch outside.
There were fifteen Kaffirs in this cell besides themselves who would have to be trusted. The lads had seen enough of them to risk taking the lot into their confidence.
“Cocoeni,” he whispered to a strong young fellow, who had vowed friendship with him, “would you like to escape?”
“You bet, baas,” replied the Kaffir, who understood and could speak a little English.
“And the others, will they help us?”
“Yes, baas; you may trust us all. We shall all help you if you show us how.”
“I have friends outside who, when they know where we are, will give us some instrument to break out of this.”
“Good. And what can we do to let them know?”