s had benefited by the brief rest and
were in condition for a long run; and all might have gone well had it not
been for an unlooked-for occurrence.

As they were dashing swiftly along, Chester's horse stumbled and emitted
a groan. Instantly the lad checked the animal, jumped to the ground and
ran to its head. There was a look of pain in the horse's eyes and he held
up one foot. Chester glanced down.

"He can't go on," the lad said; "the leg is broken."

He drew his revolver.

"Here! What are you going to do?" demanded Colonel Anderson.

"Shoot him," replied Chester quietly. "Put him out of his misery."

"Wait a moment," said the colonel, dismounting. "I know something about
horses. Maybe it's not as bad as all that."

He examined the leg carefully. When he straightened up he looked at
Chester and nodded.

"It's the best way," he said quietly. "There is nothing that can be
done for him."

Chester stroked the horse's head gently and the animal whinnied in pain.

"I'm awfully sorry, old fellow," said the lad, "but it will be
best for you."

The horse seemed to understand. Chester took aim and fired quickly.

"And now what are we going to do?" he asked.

"Climb up behind me," said Hal. "We've got a pretty fair start. May be
they will not overtake us."

Chester did as Hal suggested, and the party moved on again, but more
slowly now.

It was perhaps half an hour later, when hoofbeats were heard behind.

"Here they come!" cried Hal, and dug his heels into his horse's side.

The animal responded nobly, but five minutes later it became apparent
that they would be unable to distance their pursuers at this speed. The
hoofbeats became plainer.

Hal drew rein.

"Dismount!" he cried.

His command was obeyed instantly.

Taking his horse by the head, Hal led him in among the trees. The others
followed his lead.

"When they get by, we'll go forward again," said Hal.

They waited silently.

A few moments later the pursuers flashed by, going at a rapid gallop.
When they were out of sight, Hal led his horse to the road, as did the
others, and all mounted.

"We'll follow them," said the lad. "We'll have to keep our ears open,
though, for they are likely to turn almost any time."

An hour later, rounding a turn in the road, Colonel Anderson, who was in
advance, checked his horse suddenly. The others also drew up sharply.

"What's the matter?" asked Hal.

For answer Colonel Anderson pointed down the road.