“Now,” said John, “we are about to attempt one of the most difficult feats, the recapture of prisoners. If possible, we want to do this without sacrificing life. Stut knows the savages beyond are his enemies, and we can count on his assistance. He and I will undertake the rescue. With our new suits we shall be able to approach and enter the camp, and I am counting on his ability to talk with them, to assist us very materially.”
The boys now understood the plans, and were delighted, notwithstanding the seriousness of the undertaking.
“The team will be in no danger,” remarked Harry, who feared that it would be incumbent on him to remain there inactive. “I want to take part in this, too.”
The Professor and John both appreciated this appeal. “Most assuredly, you must be with us. The team can take care of itself, and besides, the warriors over there will have enough on their hands without caring for the team, if they give us any trouble,” was John’s comment.
John carefully concealed two of the pistols, and selected a bow and some arrows, and Stut had a spear and his own bow. By the time the camp was reached the savages had settled down, and the fires began to dwindle.
It was long past midnight before John began any movement. The boys wondered at the delay, but the Professor stated that the best time to make the attempt would be after sleep had overtaken them, and the chances of success would be much enhanced.
Before John and Stut left, the former turned to the boys: “The Professor knows what to do in any emergency. The only thing you have to do is to keep cool, and obey the orders of the Professor implicitly.”
As they moved toward the camp they looked like two savages, and George said: “They look exactly like the fellows in the camp. That is an ingenious thing to do, and I hope for their success.”
The tension on the part of the boys was beyond expression, as they watched the two move up slowly. When the outer circle of the camp was reached they were surprised to see John and Stut rise up boldly and make their way among the sleeping warriors.
When they had reached the interior of the camp they halted.