But the darkness was a blessing to the two fugitives. The Austrians were aiming by mere guess and neither rider was touched.
Hal began to breathe easier. He checked the pace a trifle, as he realized that Uncle John was lagging a little behind, his horse, apparently, not being as fresh or as swift as the one the lad bestrode.
And now the boy caught the sound of hoofbeats hurrying after them.
"Hurry, Uncle John!" he called anxiously. "They are after us."
Uncle John urged his horse to greater effort and the animal responded nobly. For a moment he kept pace with Hal's swifter mount.
Hal dropped the reins to his horse's neck, and drew his second revolver.
Then he slackened the pace of his horse even more.
"Go ahead!" he cried as Uncle John flashed by. "I'll hold 'em back a minute or two."
The pursuers gained upon him. Hal stopped his horse.
A moment later the Austrians became visible in the now semi-darkness—for dawn was breaking. Hal raised both weapons and fired three times in rapid succession.
His effort was rewarded by several cries of pain from the pursuers, and the others checked their horses abruptly. Again Hal fired twice; and then, turning his horse quickly, rode swiftly after Uncle John.