It was no time, however, in which to think of discomforts so comparatively trifling as that.  When he was outside he would be able, with the other scout’s aid, to give his foot some attention, using the first aid outfit that he always carried, as every scout should do.  But now the one thing to be done, to make good his escape.

Harry realized, as soon as he was free, that he was not by any means out of the woods.  He was still decidedly in the enemy’s country, and getting out of it promised to be a difficult and a perilous task.  He was handicapped by his lack of knowledge of the place and what little he did know was discouraging.  He had proof that human enemies were not the only ones he had to fear.  And the only way he knew that offered a chance of getting out offered, as well, the prospect of encountering the men who had pursued Dick Mercer, returning.  It was just as he made up his mind to this that the other scout spoke again.

“We can’t get out the way you came in,” he said.  “Or, if we could, it’s too risky.  But there’s another way.  I’ve been in here since these people started putting their traps around, and I know where most of them are.  Come on!”

Harry was glad to obey.  He had no hankering for command.  The thing to do was to get out as quickly as he could.  And so he followed, though he had qualms when he saw that, instead of going toward the wall, they were heading straight in and toward the great grey house.  They circled the woods that gave them the essential protection of darkness, and always they got further and further from the place where Dick and Harry had entered.  Harry understood, of course, that there were other ways of getting out but it took a few words to make him realize the present situation as it actually was.

“There’s a spot on the other side they don’t really guard at all,” said his companion.  “It’s where the river runs by the place.  They think no one would come that way.  And I don’t believe they know anything at all about what I’m going to show you.”

Soon Harry heard the water rustling.  And then, to his surprise, his guide led him straight into a tangle of shrubbery.  It was hard going for him, for his ankle pained him a good deal, but he managed it.  And in a moment the other boy spoke, and, for the first time, in a natural voice.  “I say, I’m glad we’re here!” he said, heartily.  “D’ye see?”

“It looks like a cave,” said Harry.

“It is, but it’s more than that, too.  This place is no end old, you know.  It was here when they fought the Wars of the Roses, I’ve heard.  And come on —­ I’ll show you something!”

He led the way on into the cave, which narrowed as they went.  But Harry, pointing his flashlight ahead, saw that it was not going to stop.

“Oh!  A secret passage!  I understand now!” he exclaimed, finally.