Hal’s first leap bore his opponent to the ground, where the boy twisted one hand around the man’s throat. But, if he thought to overcome his opponent thus easily, he had reckoned without his host. Lying almost at full length on the ground as he was, he drove his fist straight upward into Hal’s face. The lad released his hold upon his enemy’s throat and fell back.
It was now beginning to grow light, and, as the man sprang after him, Hal recognized him. It was young Dersi!
“Dersi!” gasped Hal, as he once more put himself in an attitude of defense.
“Yes,” gritted his opponent, “and I am going to kill you both, right here and now.”
With this he sprang upon Hal and bore him to the ground. But the lad was not to be thus easily conquered, and, with a mighty effort, wriggled from beneath his assailant and sprang back to gain a breath.
This movement almost cost him his life, for, in springing back, he allowed his opponent time to reach down and pick up his revolver. This he now pointed full at Hal.
But aid came from an unexpected source. Chester, who had been lying unconscious up to this time, now recovered sufficiently to take in the situation about him. In his hand he still grasped the automatic.
This he brought to bear, and an instant before Dersi’s finger pressed the trigger, Chester fired. Dersi fell to the ground with a groan. His revolver exploded as he fell, and the bullet whistled close to Hal’s right ear.
Quickly Hal jumped to Chester’s side and raised his chum in his arms.
“Chester! Chester!” he said anxiously. “Tell me, are you much hurt?”