"I think I know how," said one of the men stepping forward.
"What is your scheme, Lippen?" asked Jacques eagerly.
"If we only had a machine-gun we could soon bring them down."
"But how could we carry a machine-gun up those stairs?" demanded Jacques. "They'd shoot us down at their leisure."
"We won't take it upstairs," said Lippen quietly.
"What is your plan?"
"Send two men for a machine-gun. When they have brought it back we will set it up here and point it at the ceiling. When we have sent a few thousand bullets through the floor the Boches will come down fast enough."
"Why will they?" demanded Jacques. "I don't see just what you mean."
"They'll come down because they won't be able to help it," said Lippen grimly. "We'll blow a hole through the floor and they'll fall down."
"I believe you're right," exclaimed Jacques suddenly. "Who will go after a machine-gun?"