“Amrath explained all this to me at the oasis,” said Stone. He sat back, quietly regarding Mr. Hampton. “But I’ve got a trick up my sleeve,” he added, “which puts a different complexion on the matter. I didn’t speak of this last night because there was no need or opportunity. But now let me explain. “Amrath tells me,” he went on, “that the gladiators destined to participate in the games are taken out into the arena every morning and every afternoon for exercise. In the morning, the young Athensians who are to be paired with the outside gladiators are exercised. In the afternoon, the others.” “Yes, that is so,” said Jepthah, and Horeb, who also spoke English, nodded. “On a tower or platform in the middle of the arena a group of a dozen Janissaries mount guard,” continued Stone, looking to the young Athensians who confirmed him with nods. “If the gladiators should plan a concerted revolt and attack the Janissaries, they would be out of luck. Without firearms, they would be shot down by the Janissaries without a chance. “Now,” he continued, “if I had no means of combatting the Janissaries, of putting them out of commission, in fact, I’d be out of luck, too. The minute I landed in the arena, they’d open fire. But—” He paused and glanced about at the tense faces of his audience, every man of which hung on his words. “But,” he continued, “what would you say to dropping gas bombs on them?” This was the “trick or two up his sleeve,” of which he had spoken. Its effect was magical. “Have you any such?” demanded Frank, excitedly. “A half dozen of ’em,” said Stone, complacently. “Enough to put the Janissaries to sleep with lots left over. I’ll drop a gas bomb on their platform, and if I miss I’ll drop another. I can fly low above them, because I’ll have nothing to fear except their rifle fire, and the old buss is sheathed to protect it against that. So there will be no reason to miss.” “But where did you get these gas bombs?” asked Mr. Hampton, recovering from his surprise, and beginning to show the relief he experienced as the possibility of effecting Bob’s rescue again grew bright. “Hooked ’em from the Spaniards,” said Stone, unashamedly. “I had a run-in with my commander over the justice of his cause, and as I had to leave without my pay, I took along the bombs and an extra supply of gas to compensate. Loaded the drums of gas in the old buss. The plane’s mine, you know. Bought it in France at an auction of surplus war supplies, but that’s another story.” The eyes of Jack and Frank sparkled. “Come on, let’s go,” shouted the latter, leaping to his feet. “Hurray,” yelled Jack. “We’re on our way.”