t and under cover just before the
Austrians came into sight. A minute later the Austrians swept by.

Hal breathed a sigh of relief.

"Pretty close," he said quietly. "Now let's get out of here by the other
side."

Leading the two horses they started on. Five minutes later there loomed
up through the trees what appeared to be a barn. They advanced toward
it. Not a soul was about, but they proceeded cautiously for they did not
wish to walk into a trap.

Hal tried the door to the barn. It was locked. Alexis soon remedied
this, however. One quick twitch of his wrist and the lock came off. Hal
went in, and started back with a cry of surprise.

"What's the matter?" demanded Chester.

"Matter?" repeated Hal. "Look!"

He stepped back and Chester peered over his shoulder.

"Automobiles!" he said in astonishment

It was true. Inside the shed were four large touring cars.

"What on earth can they be doing here, I wonder," said Chester.

"I haven't the faintest idea," replied Hal, "but if we can find any
petrol I should say it is a lucky find for us."

He made a rapid inspection of the shed, and stopped at the far end with
a low whistle.

"What is it now?" demanded Chester.

"Petrol," replied Hal. "Gallons and gallons of it. Now what do you
suppose it is here for?"

"That doesn't concern us," said Chester dryly. "We'll fill up the tank
of one of these cars and get away."

Quickly this was done, and the car was run out the door. Chester climbed
into the rear seat and motioned for Alexis to follow him. Alexis
hesitated.

"I've never been in one of those things," he said slowly. "Now, a horse
is all right. I know all about a horse. But I don't know anything about
these things."

"Never mind that," said Chester. "Get in here quick. Those Austrians are
likely to be back any minute and we must hurry."

Alexis climbed in, plainly not without trepidation, and sank back in one
of the comfortable seats. Hal already had taken his place at the wheel,
and slowly the large machine moved forward.

"I wonder," said Hal to Chester, "whether we can go down these passes
safely."

"Where a machine has gone once, another may go," said Chester calmly.
"Besides, if you'll notice, there is a well-defined track ahead of you,
and unless I am much mistaken, it goes not toward the road but away from
it."

"By Jove!" replied Hal. "You are right. Now I wonder how that happens."

Gradually the car gathered speed, until it was trave