SENTENCED Both Fred and Boris recognized at once the hopelessness of flight.

Both thought instinctively of the hollow and the concealed entrance to the tunnel, and both knew that to attempt to use that now would not save them, and would give away a secret that might be supremely important at some future time, either to them or to someone else among those who shared the precious secret.

The grounds were flashing with light in all directions; soldiers called to one another; men ran all around, looking for them.
And yet, hopelessly caught as they were, neither could give up supinely.
Both had the dauntless fighting spirit that must be conquered, that will never give up, not only while hope remains, but while disaster, be it ever so certain, has not actually come to pass.

They were in a sort of thicket, almost as thick as a primeval jungle.

At the same moment the thought seemed to come to each of them that the one chance for momentary safety lay in keeping perfectly still.