Quickly the three friends leaped into their saddles, and spurred their
horses onward.

CHAPTER XVI.

ATTACKED.

For several hours the friends rode along the narrow mountain pass
without incident. They stopped once at a little mountain stream to
quench their thirst and to allow their horses to drink. Then they rode
on again.

Rounding a sharp turn in the road, they came squarely upon half a dozen
riders, all attired in Austrian uniforms. Hal realized their peril and
acted upon the instant.

"Quick!" he shouted to his two friends. "Ride them down!"

The Austrians were no less surprised than the three friends at this
unexpected encounter; but they also acted quickly. They reined in their
horses and drew their swords and revolvers.

But before they had time to bring their revolvers to bear, the two lads
and the huge Cossack were upon them, Hal slightly in the lead.

Hal fired one shot as he swept down upon the foe, but there was no time
for more. The nine horsemen met with a shock, but the Austrians, being
motionless, had the worst of it. The momentum of the horses ridden by
the two lads and the Cossack carried them through.

"Ride!" shouted Hal, as they burst through the enemy.

It was no time for fighting if it could be avoided, and the lads
realized it. All three put spurs to their horses and dashed down the
road, rounding a bend just as the Austrians, having recovered, fired.
None was hit.

"This is one time where discretion is the better part of valor," panted
Hal to his friends, who were riding close beside him. "We'll run for
it."

The Austrians quickly turned their horses and dashed on in pursuit.

Hal, glancing back, saw that the enemy was not gaining, and reported
this to his friends. Thus encouraged, they urged their mounts even
faster, and before long had drawn out of sight of the pursuers. But at
the very moment they seemed to be safe, Chester's horse stumbled and
fell, hurling the lad headlong.

Quickly the others drew up and rushed to his assistance. The lad was not
badly hurt, and was soon able to stand. Then, from the rear, came the
sounds of their pursuers.

"We can't stand here," cried Hal. "Quick, Chester! Into this clump of
trees."

Chester did as told and Alexis followed him. Hal, however, seizing the
two horses that were standing led them in between the trees. Then he
sprang to the side of the fallen animal. Grasping him by the head, he
succeeded in getting him to his fee