“We’re taking big chances, Merry,” said Bart, who had a pistol in his hand.
“It’s the only way we can follow him.”
“Beware!” warned Worthington, in a hollow whisper. “I tell you there is death in the air!”
They had not proceeded far when suddenly a shot rang out and the bullet smashed the lantern globe, extinguishing the light. Hodge had been expecting something of the sort, and he fired almost instantly in return, aiming at the flash he had vaguely seen.
“Are you hurt, Merry?” he asked.
“No; the lantern was the only thing struck. Did you see where the shot came from?”
“I caught a glimpse of the flash.”
Then a hoarse voice hailed them from the darkness farther down the valley.
“You gents, there!” it called.
They did not answer.