"All right. Then what we shall do is this. When I am led forward to receive my lashing, you create a diversion of some kind. Give a yell or something, but make no dash toward the row of sleighs at that moment. It would prove fatal, for you would be shot down. However, make enough noise to attract attention your way. At that moment I'll jump the general and seize his revolvers--he most likely will be caught off his guard. Then I'll dash for the sleighs; and as soon as you see I have the general's weapons, you do the same. Whoever reaches there first will take the reins and be ready to whip up the horses the moment the other jumps in. That's all there is to the plan." "It's not half bad," said the Russian, "and it promises a certain degree of success. So you are going to steal the general's revolvers, eh? I like that. And if he interferes with you, shoot him." "Not if I can help it," said Jack. "I intend to come back here some day and attend to him with my hands." "Ah, but he is too big for you there," protested Boris. "Don't you believe it," said Jack dryly. "Take his guns away from him and give me fair play, and I'll promise I'll whip him good and properly." "Perhaps," said the Russian, but he was plainly unconvinced. "But were I to make a wager, I would be forced to put my money on the general." "I hope there will be no occasion for you to lose your money," said Jack, smiling. "By the way," said the Russian after a pause, "how are your injuries? I can't see in the darkness, but I have no doubt the lash has left its mark." "It has indeed," said Jack in reply. "My shoulders are bruised and bleeding. There are several welts across my face, and my legs and arms are very painful. But they feel better, now that I know I shall not stand still and receive more blows of the same kind." "Well, you have put your mark on the general, anyhow," said Boris, his tone greatly pleased. "So I have; but I have paid dearly for it," responded Jack. It was Boris who finally put an end to the conversation. "Take my advice," he said, "and get what rest you can to-day and to-night. To-morrow is near and there is no telling when you will sleep again. It is always well when a man has rested before he undertakes a desperate venture. He is in better condition." "Your advice is good; I shall heed it," said Jack. He lay down again in his corner and soon was asleep. All day and all that night the two prisoners rested in the dungeon as well as they were able. It was impossible to sleep all the time, but they did no walking about; and when morning came they felt well and fit. Each gulped down the water and bread that was thrust through the bars to them early in the morning; and each was on edge when the guard unlocked the heavy door and called upon them to emerge from their prison.