Stanley could hardly await the time when he could reveal his scheme to Ted. The opportunity came as they were being led away from the meeting by the guards. “What do you think of it? Maybe I didn’t start something. They are all excited and scared to death, and will be more so, too, before the thing is over. Why don’t you say something? I need a lot of encouragement to put the thing through. You will have to help me,” he exclaimed enthusiastically. “I am sorry,” Ted returned sadly. “Try to keep as calm as you can and do not think of the future. It will be over soon.” “Not think of it? Why, I can think of nothing else. It will be great. Quizquiz will get the surprise of his life, and his people will wake up with a start. There will be no stopping them when they see what happens.” “Yes, and think of how _we_ will feel about that time,” Ted thought, but said nothing. “What is the matter, anyway?” Stanley demanded, losing patience. “Do you think I am joking?” “Joking, no! There is nothing humorous in our situation. If you want to know the truth, it strikes me you are just a little upset, that is all. But no one could blame you for that. This whole thing is enough to----” “I thought so from the way you acted, and I was beginning to wonder if you were not showing the effects of it too. I was never more in earnest nor saner in my life. Just fix that firmly in your head.” “You think we have a chance?” “I am making one. And I would be absolutely sure of the result if it were not for two things. First, we must get Soncco to help us; I believe he will because we saved his neck, and he does not relish the job that has been assigned to him--that of chief executioner of his fellow teachers. Second, my calculations as to the day of the month must be correct; on that point I am not quite sure, but I feel that I am right. I was careful to tie a knot in the string each morning so far as I can remember. But it is possible that I may have forgotten it once, and that would throw off all my calculations.” “But what is your scheme? The predictions you made are so wild and impossible it would take a miracle to fulfil them.” “Nothing of the kind. It can and it will all happen exactly as I said. It sounds impossible so long only as they are ignorant of the things that could cause such happenings.” By this time they had reached the building in which they were to be confined for the night. “I will tell you the rest when they leave us alone,” Stanley added. “It will take some time to explain the plan fully.”