Jake had the appearance of a man who is about to make some protest, and Neal whispered to him:
"In such a case as this it is our duty to accept Cummings' view of the matter. Do not delay now when we all know that every moment is precious."
"Have it your own way, I won't say another word," the engineer replied impatiently; "but I think we have followed this man blindly as long as we should."
Neal paid no attention to the latter portion of this remark, but said as he turned toward the leader:
"It is all right; we are ready."
"Then follow me, and remember that our lives may pay the forfeit if a single incautious word is spoken."
Thus speaking he took up one of the packages, looked once more to the cartridges in his gun, and started down the stairs, the boys and Jake following, while Poyor brought up the rear.
At the outer door he hesitated an instant, much as if to persuade himself that it was absolutely necessary to flee from this city to enter which he had spent so many days in making preparations, and then, throwing it open, he led the way into the deserted streets.
"Our safest plan is to go straight across, rather than try to circle around the outskirts where we may meet with sentinels," he said, motioning for Poyor to lead the way. "At present no one suspects that we are here, consequently the guard will not be particularly on the alert."
"Do as you think best," Neal replied, and then, falling back by the side of Teddy, he whispered: