“So would I,” declared Chester.  “And I am positive that there’s something.”

“I guess we’ll know soon enough,” said Uncle John.

And they did learn—­not fifteen minutes later.

“What’s that funny noise out there?” asked Chester suddenly.

The others strained their ears.

“I don’t hear anything,” said Hal.  “You must—­Wait, though.  What is that noise?”

Again all listened intently.  There was a faint “crack, crack,” as though some one were walking upon fallen twigs.

At that moment Chester detected another cause for alarm.

“I smell smoke,” he said suddenly.

“By George! that’s what’s the matter,” shouted Hal.  “They are going to smoke us out and shoot us down, or burn us here like rats in a trap.  What are we going to do?” he demanded anxiously.

“Don’t get excited, in the first place,” replied Colonel Anderson coolly, “We are in a ticklish situation, and that’s a fact, but there must be some way out of it.  Now let’s see.  We can’t get out the front door without being shot down.  The same goes for the window as the house undoubtedly is surrounded.  Then what are we to do?”

“There is only one thing I can think of,” declared Hal.

“And that?”

“As long as we are playing for time, stay here until we can stand it no longer because of the heat.  Then make a break for it.  Perhaps we can take them by surprise, grab four horses and get a good start.”

“There is little chance of that,” replied Colonel Anderson.  “But it seems to be the only way.  We’ll do it.”

Their plans thus made, they waited patiently, conversing in low tones, the while keeping their eyes open.  The flames were crackling merrily now, and the heat was becoming intense, while occasional clouds of smoke rolled into the single room.  It was too hot to remain still.  Colonel Anderson spoke.  “We’ve stood it long enough,” he said.  “Guns ready, and let’s go!”

CHAPTER XXVII.

A sacrifice.

“Hold on there a minute,” said Chester.  “We are forgetting one thing.”

“What’s that?” demanded Colonel Anderson.

“Why,” returned Chester, “that at least one of us must get back to General Ferrari and give him the information we were sent after.”

“But how can we?”

“Well, not by jumping out there and fighting and getting killed, all of us.  I’ve a plan.”

“You’ll have to hurry,” said Hal.  “It’s getting too hot in here.”

“Listen then,” said Chester, speaking rapidly.  “I’ll climb up to this window and drop out.  They won’t shoot at me at first, because they naturally will think I am about to surrender.  When I get to the bottom, I’ll wait for either you or Colonel Anderson, as you may decide.  When one of you reach my side, we’ll both run.  The Austrians will give chase.  When I yell, the two who remain here will make a break out the door, try to find a couple of horses and head for the Italian lines.  Come, now, let’s get busy.”