THE FIGHT IN THE CAVERN
Von Winden looked at him in amazement. “You do not believe me?” he asked. “It is the truth, I tell you.”
“I shall find a way.”
“But there is no way. You think that I am trying to persuade you to escape by the mountains so that you may be captured with the papers?”
“Yes. I could not escape that way now. You know it.”
“Perhaps not, but what you plan is insane.”
“Fortune favors the fool. I’ve made up my mind.”
“Then you deserve to be shot,” said Udo. “In the forest at least you would have a chance—Ach—!” He gave a guttural exclamation and then: “Bind me and leave me then—quickly. It’s good-by.”
“Good-by, Udo,” said Hammersley with a smile. “We’ll meet again, when Hesse-Nassau is an English province.”
“Bah, Cyril,” said von Winden. “I have always said that you were a fool.”
Hammersley replaced the gag and bound it into place with great care, smiling the while. Then he removed the belt which contained his cousin’s supply of cartridges and fastened it around his own body above Lindberg’s, loading the two weapons with care and placing them in their holsters.
Doris watched these preparations anxiously, but Hammersley made her eat her fill of chocolate and biscuits and when they had finished, he went to the corner of the cavern and brought forth a large and heavy parcel which he put on the table and opened. Doris saw that Captain von Winden was straightening on the couch trying to see what it contained. Hammersley did not even glance in his direction. He seemed
287
