“No. As soon as the battle began I slipped away and came here, as I knew it would be a good time to try to rescue you, as there would be very few soldiers left here.”
“Right. Well, let’s get out of here quick, now.”
“Come on. You are bigger than me, but I guess you can squeeze through this opening and crawl along under the floor. There isn’t much room, however.”
“Go ahead, Tom. I’ll be right at your heels.” Tom worked his way feet-first down through the opening, and then disappeared, and after him went Dick. As Tom had said, there wasn’t much room under the floor, but Dick managed to work his way along and finally crawled out from underneath the floor, and rose to a standing posture, beside Tom.
“The guards are still around in front, discussing the battle,” whispered Tom. “Let’s make a dash for the woods.”
“Wait a bit. One of them is coming. Give me one of your pistols.”
This Tom did and the two crouched closely to the wall, ready to spring upon the guard immediately he should appear.
“He is only lighting his pipe,” whispered Tom. “I hear him striking the flint.”
“Then we can make a break for the woods. Run your fastest, Tom.”
“All right.”