'We must take the risk. Our only chance is to make a bold dash for it, and we can't leave the wounded here.'
'I suppose there's going to be a deuce of a row,' said Walker.
'There is.'
'Your companions seldom have a chance to complain of the monotony of their existence,' said Walker, grimly. 'What are you going to do now?'
'At this moment I'm going to fill my pipe.'
With a whimsical smile, Alec took his pipe from his pocket, knocked it out on his heel, filled and lit it. The doctor and Walker digested the information he had given them. It was Walker who spoke first.
'I gather from the general amiability of your demeanour that we're in rather a tight place.'
'Tighter than any of your patent-leather boots, my friend.'
Walker moved uncomfortably in his chair. He no longer felt sleepy. A cold shiver ran down his spine.
'Have we any chance of getting through?' he asked gravely.