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 muttered to himself.  “I can get out here.”

He went back to the center of the tent again and enjoined the others to silence.

“Don’t make a sound on your lives,” he commanded sternly.  “Chester, you remain right where I leave the tent and if I bring a man back with me you drag him under and see that he doesn’t make a sound.”

Chester nodded his agreement and took his place at Hal’s side.

Now the lad lifted the bottom of the canvas slightly and peered out.  He smiled a trifle to himself.  It was as he hoped.  The guard or guards, as the case might be, was not as vigilant as the security of the prisoners should have required.  Hal wriggled into the open.

The huge camp slept.  Here and there a sentinel stalked and it was upon these guardians of the night that Hal must prey.

He moved toward the front of the prison tent, seeking the guard there.  And directly he came upon him, stretched at full length upon the ground, his heavy military coat pulled closely about him, smoking a cigarette.  Hal moved toward him cautiously.

“I hate to do this,” he muttered, “but—­”

With a light leap he was upon the man and his right fist shot out hard and true.  It caught the Bulgarian just above the left ear and the man never made a sound.

Quickly Hal dragged the body to where he knew Chester would be waiting.  Chester dragged it under the tent and Hal went under after it.

“This uniform is for me.  I’ll go after some more,” he said.

Quickly he climbed into the Bulgarian uniform and disappeared again.  But this time, garbed in a Bulgarian uniform, he went more confidently.  His hand rested upon his revolver.