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The sun's rays were just breaking over the horizon. At a
time when most were still asleep, Edward Cole was
already wide awake and on his way to the fields. To
many, the beginning of a new day was a symbol of hope
and happiness. To Cole, it only meant the start of yet
another day of work and torture. His future looked
bleak. Marching steadily along with his fellow
prisoners, Cole pondered upon his fate. Was he to stay
in this dreary place until released by death? Would he,
by some chance of fate, be freed? "No!" he thought, "I'm
going to escape!"
While working in the fields, Cole explored various
ways to escape. After careful consideration he decided
that a mass escape would be the best way.
That night, Cole informed his fellow inmates about
his plan. A few felt that it was too dangerous but the
majority of the prisoners agreed with Cole's plan. It
was decided that they would attempt to break free the
very next day. Some of the prisoners were to overpower
the two guards who escorted them to the fields while the
others would cut the telephone lines to the prison. This
would allow the prisoners more time to escape before the
alarm was raised.
Cole could hardly sleep that night. He lay in bed,
thinking of what he would do when he was free. He would
go for walks in the park, go to the beach in summer and
go skiing in winter. It was after much difficulty that
Cole finally fell asleep.
Dawn broke. This time, the day held hope for Edward
Cole. Today, he would attempt to break free from this
terrible place. He prayed that the escape attempt would
be successful. At the usual time, the guards came to
bring the prisoners out to the fields. At a pre-arranged
signal, the prisoners overpowered the guards and severed
the telephone lines. A few shots were fired but none of
the prisoners were hit. The shots must have alerted the
prison wardens because the prison alarm began to wail.
The prisoners scattered and ran off in different
directions.
Cole ran towards a nearby village. He managed to get
there undetected. The natives were still fast asleep.
Cole stole some clothes from a clothes-line and changed
out of his prison uniform. He then made his way towards
the border. Cole knew that he would be safe once he
reached the border. The government of the neighboring
country was an ally of England. They would ensure his
safe passage back to England. For three days, Cole walked
through jungles and swamps. He avoided all roads for
fear of being apprehended. he slept a little in the
afternoon and spent his nights traveling. The cover of
darkness allowed him to avoid detection.
After three days, Cole finally arrived at the border.
A guard stood watch at the barrier that separated the
two countries. Cole crept stealthily towards the
barrier. Gathering all his energy, Cole sprang from his
hiding-place and sprinted towards the barrier. Before
the astounded guard could do anything, Cole had hurdled
across the barrier into friendly territory. |
