you; right for the
wood. Once there, we are safe."

Punch had said he hated to argue, and it was no time for argument then
as to the best course.

Pen gazed in the direction of the approaching party, but they were
invisible; and, turning to his comrade, "Now then," he said, "off!"

Springing up, he started at a quick run in and out amongst the bushes
and rocks in the direction of the forest indicated by his companion,
conscious the next minute, as he glanced back in turning a block of
stone, that Punch was imitating his tactics, carrying his musket at the
trail and bending low as he ran.

"Keep your head down, Punch," he said softly, as the boy raced up
alongside. "We can't see them, so they can't see us."

"Don't talk--run," whispered Punch. "That's right--round to your left.
Don't mind me if I hang back a bit. I am short-winded yet. I shall
follow you."

For answer, Pen slackened pace, and let Punch pass him.

"Whatcher doing?" whispered the boy.

"You go first," replied Pen, "just as fast as you can. I will keep
close behind you."

Punch uttered a low growl, but he did not stop to argue, and they ran on
and on, getting out of breath but lighter hearted, as they both felt
that every minute carried them nearer to safety, for the risky part
where the slope was all stone and low bush was nearly passed, the dense
patch of forest nearer at hand offering to them shelter so thick that,
once there, their enemies would have hard work to judge which direction
had been taken; and then all at once, when all danger seemed to be past,
there came a shout from behind, and then a shot.

"Stoop! Stoop, Punch! More to the left!"

"All right. Come on," was whispered back; and, as Punch bore in the
direction indicated by his comrade, there came shout after shout, shot
after shot, and the next minute, as the fugitives tore on heedless of
everything but their effort to reach the shelter in advance, it was
perfectly evident to them that the bullets fired were whizzing in their
direction.

Twigs were cut and fell; there was the loud _spat, spat_ of the bullets
striking the rocks; and then, when they were almost within touch of the
dark shadows spread by the trees, there came a scattered volley, and
both lads went down heavily, disappearing from the sight of their
pursuers, who sent up a yell of triumph.

"Punch," panted Pen, "not hurt?"

The answer was a hoarse utterance, as the boy struggled to his feet and
then