There, probably half a mile away, were their pursuers, stationary.

"What do you suppose they are waiting for?" demanded Chester.

The answer came from an unexpected source.

From beyond the pursuers arose a puff of smoke, followed by a faint
report. It was the sound of a revolver.

"They've bumped into another enemy of some kind," said Chester. "Wonder
how strong this new force is?"

"Can't be very strong or those fellows would be heading this way,"
declared Hal. "Maybe they think it's us."

"That's about the size of it," declared Colonel Anderson.

There was another puff of smoke at this moment, and one of the
enemy fell.

"Bully for you, whoever you are," shouted Chester. "Say!" he added,
"what's the matter with taking them in the rear? They haven't
spotted us yet."

"I was thinking of that," said Colonel Anderson. "Guess it can be done
all right. Will your horse carry double that far, Hal?"

"He'll have to," replied the lad grimly.

"Good. Are you ready?"

"When you give the word."

"Then charge!"

Down the road at a rapid gallop went the three horses, carrying the
four friends.

Hal, Colonel Anderson and Nikol each guided their mounts with their left
hands, flourishing their revolvers in the right. Chester held fast to Hal
with his left and also flourished a revolver with his free hand.

Nearer and nearer they came upon their unsuspecting enemies, who still
stood where they had been when first discovered. Occasionally one fired
his revolver at the spot from which shots came at frequent intervals now.

"Wonder why those fellows beyond don't charge, now that they must see us
coming," muttered Hal to himself.

He watched the puffs of smoke as they came at intervals, and he was
suddenly struck by an idea.

"By Jove!" he shouted, to make himself heard, "I'll bet there is only one
man there. That's why the shots are so far apart."

"Well, we're pretty evenly matched," said Chester. "There are only six of
them in condition to fight."

"Five," said Hal suddenly, as another of the enemy pitched suddenly to
the ground, a shot from beyond having struck him.

"See! they are going to charge him!" cried Chester, peering over his
friend's shoulder.

It was true. The enemy had spread out as much as the road would permit
and the man who appeared to be the leader raised his hand.

"We'll have to stop that," muttered Hal.

He raised his voice in a shout, which carried plainly to the foe.

The fiv