"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.