"We didn't," expostulated Alderhame jocularly. "We wouldn't do you such a dirty trick, Sidney. Blame your pal, Ginger."
"He's all right, then?" asked the rescued man.
"And so are you," added Ralph. "Good for promotion."
"'Cause why?"
"I heard you being cross-examined by the Prussian officer and your replies," continued Setley. "Simply had to report to the O.C., you know. Well, what happened afterwards?"
"They knocked me about a bit," declared Bartlett. "Thought I was kidding them, I suppose, but as it was the right way as far as they were concerned they got a bit more civil. Finally, when the bombardment commenced they pushed me down this dug-out. Crikey! I thought the roof was tumbling in every second, and fifty feet below ground at that. Then when the bomb was chucked down the stairs the Huns here knew the game was up. They nearly fell over themselves trying to get me to take them prisoners—and there they are."
"Any way out there?" asked Setley, pointing to a door at the remote end of the underground room.
"Don't know," said Bartlett. "I'll soon see."
He came back with the information that it led only to a smaller room, evidently set apart for non-commissioned officers.
"Good enough," declared Ralph. "We'll leave the prisoners here until we can send them to the advance-cages."