m keeping two," he explained, "because, being wounded, you probably
won't be able to move about as quickly as I will. I don't know how long
we shall be able to hold these fellows off; but if they don't rush us,
we may be able to hold out till help arrives."

"If they were Germans I wouldn't feel quite so easy," said Chester; "but
I don't believe there is much likelihood of Austrians rushing us."

"Right you are," said Hal cheerfully. "They'll probably dismount, hide
behind their horses and try to pick us off."

As yet the Austrians were unaware of the presence of enemies in the pass
above them. They came on slowly, laughing and talking. Then one,
chancing to raise his head, saw the barrier in the pass. He called the
attention of the others to it. No sign of an enemy was visible, but the
Austrians approached very carefully.

The two lads waited until the Austrians were so close that a miss was
impossible, then, taking deliberate aim, each fired once. Two of the
enemy fell to the roadside.

There came a cry of dismay from the Austrians, and they reined in their
horses and sprang to the ground.

But two of them had not been quick enough, and while they left their
horses at practically the same time as did the others, they did not rise
again to their feet.

"Four!" said Chester calmly.

"About ten, if Alexis were doing the counting," said Hal grimly. "But I
would give a whole lot if he were here right now."

The Austrians forced their horses to lie down, and took up their
positions behind them. Then they blazed away wildly at the barrier
ahead. They could see nothing at which to shoot, however, and their
bullets did no damage.

"I wonder if the Austrians know this old hat trick?" said Chester.

Picking up a little stick, he put his cap upon it and raised it slowly
over the barrier. A hail of bullets flew about it. Chester took
deliberate aim at one of the Austrians who exposed himself, and Hal at
another. Again their revolvers cracked once each, and two Austrians bit
the dust.

"We'll be on even terms soon, if we keep this up," said Hal gleefully.

Chester tried the cap trick again; but this time it did not work. The
Austrians had learned a lesson.

For perhaps five minutes there was silence; then Hal, glancing quickly
over the barrier, saw one of the enemy jump to his feet and dash
straight toward the barrier. In his anxiety to pick the man off, Hal
fired too quickly, and missed.

The man dashed on and f