“Come, now! In ten seconds more it will be too late!”
I failed to understand all his meaning; but, fortunately, had sufficient sense to obey the strain upon my arm, and immediately we were in full flight, plunging through the underbrush without any idea, on my part at least, of where the course might lead.
Then as we ran I became conscious of the fact that Leon was leading the way, and for the first time since we stumbled upon the soldiers I had hopes that we might finally escape.
We ran at full speed, stumbling here over fallen trees, or floundering there through bogs and swamps, holding the pace until it became impossible for Alec to advance another yard.
“I am done up!” he panted, sinking down at the foot of a huge pine tree. “Do not stop; but leave me here to take my chances!”
“Can you go no further?” I asked stupidly, for it was plain to be seen that the lad’s strength was entirely spent.
“Not a step; but neither you nor Leon can afford to loiter. You two should be able to give them the slip.”
“I have no idea of leaving a comrade,” I said, flinging myself down by Alec’s side to show the dear lad that I was not minded to desert him, and Leon followed my example, saying as he did so:—
“The English may as well have three prisoners as one, and I will remain with those who rescued me from the lake.”
“But you are to do nothing of the kind!” I cried in alarm, thinking of the lad’s mother, whose only support he was. “You can contrive to gain home secretly, knowing the country as you do, and in the morning no one will be able to say you were with us. Go, Leon! You must not sacrifice yourself!”