The other man chuckled grimly.
“A snap shot will be taken somewhat different from the usual sort. That release controls an electrical contact intimately connected with a certain kind of fulminate and behind that again is—the stuff that means the finish of Company E barracks. The explosion will be so destructive that no trace will be left of either the camera or the can. Very soon afterward Company E’s other barrack will follow yours. This is a trick which can be successfully worked twice. Now heed what I tell you, as this is our only chance to talk. To-morrow night I will meet you here only for a moment to give you the camera. You must then hurry back and do your work, while the men are at mess. We can only trust that no one will disturb the can too soon. We must destroy as many of our enemies as we can before they are sent out against us. You are not afraid to do your part for the Fatherland?”
“Deutschland über alles,” was Schnitzel’s low, fervent answer.
“Gut! Now we must return. Go you first and I will follow slowly. I shall not see you again until I meet you here at six to-morrow evening.”
Trembling with horror at what he had heard, Ignace waited breathlessly for the plotters to depart. After five minutes he straightened up cautiously. All was silent. Growing bolder he stood erect and peered out of one of the open spaces in the frame-work of the barrack. No one was in sight. Making a hasty exit he set off for headquarters on the mad run.
Arrived at headquarters he had his own troubles with a supercilious orderly, who demanded to know the nature of his business.
“I will no tell,” was the Pole’s dogged refusal. “You no say him Pulinski want see, you ver’ sorry.”
This threat was effective in gaining for him the desired interview. His tale told, Ignace became alarmed at the major’s lack of agitation.
“You no believe, sir, what I do?” he ended desperately.
“I believe you, Pulinski.” The K. O.’s tone was extremely kind. “Now I’m going to ask you to go back to barracks and say nothing to anyone about this. You’ve done your part and done it well. Leave the rest to me, and remember the Army will protect its own.”