"We weren’t there, but we heard your engine, and Stanbridge, who’s got a wonderful ear, declared it was English, so we rushed up on the chance. If it hadn’t been so dark and raining so hard, the Huns would certainly have seen or heard you; but you always had all the luck!" "You’ve had a good share, anyway." "We have, that’s true. Old Lumineau has kept us well supplied, at Heaven knows what risk to himself. We’re hanging on here in the hope of getting back some day. It’s pretty hopeless, I expect; but I’m not going to give in till I must." "Can I do anything for you?" "I don’t see how you can. We must trust to luck." "When that wheel’s straightened I’ll fly back and report to your colonel." "He can’t do anything. Nothing short of a general push could gain this ground, and he won’t risk hundreds for the sake of a score. Our only chance is to slip through when they’re strafing one night; even then the odds are a hundred to one against us. Still, I dare say the C.O. would be pleased to know what’s become of us, and I’ll be glad if you’ll tell him. But d’you think you’re fit to fly back to-night after your gruelling?" "Oh yes! I’ve had a bit of a shake, but a little rest will set me up. I’ve discovered a new battery the Huns have rigged up, and must report as soon as possible. Look: here’s the spot." He showed the mark recently made on his map. "Good!" said Hedley, examining the map with interest. "But the Huns’ trenches aren’t marked so completely as on mine. Here you see we have them all plotted out: we know them as well as we know our own." "That’s useful. I say, Hedley, I don’t see why we shouldn’t make some practical use of your presence in the enemy’s country, and get you away too." "As for getting away, we shall have to depend on ourselves. As I said before, the C.O. won’t risk hundreds for the sake of our little lot; and if he would, the Brigadier wouldn’t allow it." "I don’t know. Could you make me a copy of the map so far as this neighbourhood is concerned, putting in the position of the cave?" "Certainly: I’ll scratch it in on a leaf from my order-book." The rough drawing completed, Burton folded the paper and put it in his pocket, remarking, half in jest, half in earnest-- "If the Huns collar me, I’m afraid I’ll have to eat it. Now this is my idea." There ensued a long discussion, in the course of which Hedley passed from doubt to confidence and enthusiasm. "Well, if you bring it off," he said in conclusion, "it’ll be a tremendous score. You’re a V.C. already: I don’t see what more they can do for you--except make you a lord." "My dear fellow! ... There’s just one point. I ought to have a better landing-place than that wood. After to-night’s affair I shall be nervous if there are trees about. Is there anything more suitable and safe?" Hedley considered.