not a question of nerve, when you know what's in store in the
morning," said Hal. "But as this is my plan, I'll do the work, or what
part of it I may."

"You're the doctor," Chester agreed.

"Now," said Hal, "we'll try and get a little sleep. We can do nothing
until after dark, and the better our physical conditions, the better our
chances for escape."

CHAPTER XXVIII.

THROUGH THE NIGHT.

Hal, Chester, Colonel Anderson, Nikol and Ivan slept. The first three,
veterans of many campaigns and hardships, had schooled themselves to
sleep under almost any conditions. The same might be said of Nikol and
Ivan because of days spent in the mountain fastness, where danger lurked
at all times.

Stubbs, however, although he bore up bravely under the death sentence,
was unable to sleep, try as he would. Nor could Helen gain a much needed
rest, though she was not conscious that she was at all afraid. So these
two talked during the long hours of the day as the others slept
peacefully and deeply.

With the coming of darkness a man entered bearing a tray with bread and
water. The others awakened now and all did full justice to the frugal
meal. Their hands were untied while they ate, but the meal over, they
were bound again.

Then all waited for what seemed hours, though in reality it could not
have been more than three. Then Hal addressed Nikol.

"Still think you can break your bonds?"

"I can," replied Nikol quietly.

"And you, Ivan?"

"Yes, although it won't make much difference. Nikol could release the
rest of us."

"I thought the second tying-up might have made it impossible," said Hal.

"I'm ready any time you give the word," said Nikol.

"Then do it now," said Hal.

The others gazed curiously as Nikol made his little form still smaller.
He drew in his chest as much as possible and then expanded suddenly, at
the same time thrusting out with his strong arms. There was a report as
of a revolver being discharged, though much fainter, and Nikol was free.

"Ha!" said Ivan. "He did it. Now watch me."

The mighty muscles of the giant strained once and the strong rope
snapped. Ivan did not seem to have exerted himself.

"Now for the rest of us," said Hal.

Quickly Ivan and Nikol released the others.

"Now what?" asked Ivan.

"Now comes my work," said Hal quietly.

He moved silently to the edge of the tent and lay down flat, feeling the
edges with his fingers.

"This will come up all right," he mutter