"We'll walk slowly toward the barn," he said. "Nicolas will tell the others to remain where they are." He eyed the traitor coldly. "Then we'll dash into the barn and mount. When we are all ready, we'll make a dash for it, shooting as we do so."
"As good a plan as any, I guess," said Colonel Edwards, after a moment's hesitation. "Let's get started."
Slowly they moved toward the barn. Nicolas' friends, seeing him moving away, followed, but still kept at some distance.
The friends entered the barn without being molested. The mountaineer had just finished with the last horse and Hal gave the word for all to mount.
"Keep Nicolas in the center," he said, "and if he makes a false move, shoot him. He's too dangerous a man to be running around loose."
While the others mounted, Hal moved to the door to watch the men without. He arrived there just in time to meet a man who would have entered. Hal produced his automatic.
"Get back there!" he commanded.
The man took one look at the revolver and leaped back in a hurry. A moment later a voice called:
"What's the matter in there, Nicolas?"
"Answer him," said Chester, prodding Nicolas with his revolver. "Tell him everything is all right."