"You geet cold you call an' me geet you more blanket, oui."
"Thanks."
In another five minutes the lights had been extinguished and only a feeble flicker from the dying fire illuminated the room. Bob had chosen the lowest of the three bunks and he knew that Jack was in the one next above while the Indian occupied the top one. He had expected they would be tied during the night, but was not sure whether or not a watch would be kept on them. He had, for several years together with Jack, practiced the art of freeing himself from bonds and both boys were about as expert at the trick as the Great Houdini himself. During the evening he had cautioned Jack to be on the watch for the move so, while the man was tying their wrists together both boys were straining every muscle in order to get as much slack as possible when they relaxed. But Bob had sensed during the tying that the man was no weakling at the job and he was not at all sure that he could free his hands when the time came.
For an hour he made no effort to get his hands free and he had cautioned Jack to wait until he should give him the signal. When the clock struck eleven he gave a slight cough which a moment later was answered from the bunk above and he knew that Jack understood. He was certain that they had stationed no watch, relying on the security of the ropes, and he was also quite sure that they were all asleep and he knew that, as a rule, these breeds were sound sleepers.
From the feel of the rope about his wrists he knew he was in for a long job even if he succeeded. Although he had done his best there was mighty little slack so tightly had the man tied the rope. He hoped that Jack had been able to secure more, but did not dare whisper to find out. The half hour struck and he was still striving and about ready to give up the task as impossible when he felt rather than heard Jack slip from his bunk.
"You untied?"
"No, he got 'em too tight."
"I just made it and that's all."
With Jack's assistance his hands were soon free and he quickly released his feet.
"Be careful when you wake Lucky," Jack whispered.