volver and fired in the nick of time.

Hal realized that he owed his life to the dwarf and he smiled at
him slightly.

A quick look at the prostrate form of Nicolas showed that he was beyond
human aid, and Hal also realized the need of haste, as the pursuers were
even now within range and bullets whined about the fugitives.

"Forward!" he cried.

Again they set off at a gallop.

Ten minutes later Hal again noticed that Ivan was lagging behind. He drew
his horse down until Ivan came up with him. A moment later Colonel
Edwards also dropped back on even terms with them.

"Go ahead. Don't wait for me," shouted Ivan.

Hal shook his head slightly, as did Colonel Edwards.

"I tell you, it's no use," said Ivan. "This horse can't carry me much
farther. Ride on!"

The others paid no heed.

Suddenly Ivan drew rein, pulling his horse back on his haunches, and
leaped lightly to the ground. Then, before the others realized his
intention, he drew his revolvers and faced the pursuers.

Quickly Hal and Colonel Edwards checked their horses, wheeled about and
hurried back to him.

"You are fools!" said Ivan hoarsely. "There is no need for all of us to
die. I could have held them off until the rest of you were safe. It is
not too late yet. Ride on!"

For answer Hal leaped lightly to the ground and Colonel Edwards followed
suit. The latter produced two revolvers and Hal one, for his other still
lay beside the body of Nicolas.

"Into the woods here, quick!" Hal commanded.

The others obeyed him; and they moved from their perilous positions not a
moment too soon, for the pursuers had found the range and revolver
bullets whistled about them as they darted for shelter.

Ahead, Chester now discovered that the others had stopped. He checked his
own horse, and calling to Colonel Anderson and Nikol, wheeled about and
dashed down the road, the others following.

Chester allowed the reins to fall loose on his horse's neck and in each
hand glistened a revolver. Colonel Anderson and Nikol were also prepared.

Some distance beyond where Hal, Colonel Edwards and Ivan had dismounted,
the pursuers had drawn rein; and now Chester, Colonel Anderson and Nikol
charged right at them.

In spite of their numbers, the pursuers, after one hasty volley,
turned and fled as the three charged down upon them. The three fired
once each at the foe and one man dropped. Then they checked their
horses, dismounted and made their way into the woods, whe