there was a great commotion
behind, and turning in their saddles, the lads saw the Austrians coming
rapidly after them. They had come upon the little party who had seen the
lads leaving the woods.

With a cry to Chester, Hal put spurs to his horse and soon both were
literally flying over the ground, the Austrians in full chase.

But the horses that the boys now bestrode were much fresher than had
been their first mounts; still, Hal saw that several of the Austrians
were gaining.

Now one of the enemy drew well ahead of his companions, a bit behind
came a second, while a third, who was some distance ahead of the
remainder, closely followed the second. These three, at their respective
distances, slowly drew closer to the lads.

Suddenly, without a word to Hal, Chester checked his horse abruptly, and
his revolver flashed in his hand. Before the first Austrian could check
his mount, he had come within range of the lad's weapon, which spoke
sharply. The Austrian tumbled sidewise from his horse.

Chester turned and spurred on after Hal.

Now the second Austrian drew close upon the lad. Once more the latter
abruptly checked his horse and turned to face the Austrian. The latter,
perceiving the boy's maneuver, also drew rein. But he was not quick
enough, and a second bullet from Chester's revolver laid him low. Once
more the lad turned his horse's head forward and dashed on.

The third Austrian, unmindful of the fate that had overtaken his two
companions, still dashed after the lads. He gained steadily, and was now
a considerable distance ahead of the main body of the enemy. A third
time Chester turned suddenly on the foe and a third time his revolver
spoke. He missed, and the Austrian opened with his own revolver. But his
aim was no better.

Chester, sitting quietly on his horse, then took careful and deliberate
aim and at his next shot, the Austrian fell to the ground. Then he
turned and rode on after Hal, who had slowed down to wait for him.

Once more the lads put spurs to their horses and dashed on--each forward
stride of their animals taking them much nearer the Russian lines and
safety--until at last they made out in the distance the outposts of the
Russian camp.

Hal raised a cry of triumph, but at the same moment his horse stepped
into a hole and went to his knees, hurling Hal over his head.

Chester reined in alongside his friend and leaped to the ground. The
Austrians, perceiving the lad's misfortune, bor