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.