t of the rear entrance. A study of what he saw
showed little change in the situation. He was convinced that the next
demonstration would be from the front. He, therefore, did not hesitate
to leave his post and slip into the next room for a few hasty words
with the Professor.

"There's no use of staying in here," he said, "for we are sure to be
overwhelmed within the next hour."

"I fully agree with you."

"And I can see but one desperate hope."

"What is that?"

"To follow Bippo."

"I agree with you again; let us make such a demonstration from the
front that we shall be able to draw most of them there; then one of us
will make a rush."

"Why not both."

"We shall fail; one must keep up the firing while they think both are
at it, and then the other can make the attempt."

"Very well; let me open here."

"No; we will both do it; you know that this station is mine and as soon
as there appears to be a chance, you can make the start."

Now, both of the men believed in their hearts that if the desperate
scheme could work, that the utmost it could do would be to save one:
there could be no earthly chance for the other.

It was characteristic of the chivalrous friendship of each that he had
fully determined that that forlorn opportunity should be given to the
other.

But they understood their mutual natures too well to waste any words in
argument, for neither would yield.

"Very well, Professor; we'll draw lots."

"I will agree to that."

It was so dark in the room that they could not see each other, nor did
either window afford light enough for their purpose.

Grimcke glanced out the door. No immediate movement seemed impending,
and they moved to the fire-place. The Professor kicked some of the
ashes aside and a tiny blaze arose, throwing a dull illumination over a
few feet of the room.

The Professor drew an American coin from his pocket,--one that he had
kept ever since entering South America.

"Now," said he, placing both hands behind his back, "tell me which
contains it."

"The right," said the New Englander.

"You have lost," coolly replied the Professor, bringing the two hands
quickly to the front and opening the palms.

Sure enough the coin was in the left, but the sly fellow did not
confess that he had deftly changed it after his companion made his
guess.

CHAPTER XXXI.

A DESPERATE SCHEME.

Not another word was said. The question had been submitted to the
arbitrament of