All three listened. Some one was fumbling at the back of the tent, then presently there came a ripping noise, and a voice whispered, “Are you there?”
Even at that moment Joy Gargrave’s heart leaped as she recognized it.
“Yes, Corporal Bracknell. Your cousin, Babette and myself are here.”
“Can you move? Are you free?”
“Quite free.”
“Wait a moment, then.” The sound of slitting hide was heard once more, then came the corporal’s voice again, “You must slip out through the hole I have cut. Quickly! There is not a moment to lose.”
Joy felt herself propelled forward and thrust through the opening which the corporal had cut, and whilst another pair of hands guided her, caught Dick Bracknell’s whisper, “Now—Miss La Farge!”
Babette slipped out, and two seconds later Dick Bracknell followed.
“This way,” said the corporal quickly. “As silently as you can.”