"No," Chester agreed. "And there are two loose horses. I'm going to get one of them."
"Better make it two," said Colonel Anderson. "Our ally beyond, whoever he may be, may need one."
Chester nodded.
"He deserves one," he said. "He knocked off three of these fellows."
He secured the two horses without much trouble, mounted one and led the other.
"Now we'll have an interview with our friend," he said.
They rode forward slowly.
"Funny he doesn't come out and show himself," said Hal.
"Guess he thinks we are enemies, too," suggested Colonel Anderson.
"Well—whoa, there."
He broke off suddenly and ducked his head, for a bullet had whistled just above him. He raised his voice in a shout: