But before he could press the trigger Chester had disappeared in the darkness of the cave. Evidently believing that the lad would flee from him, the German, sprawling upon hands and knees, gave chase.
Chester, well back in the cave, judged his pursuer’s distance by the sounds of his awkward movements. He waited until the German got well within the cave, then raised his automatic and quickly fired twice.
The sound of the explosion was so great that even Chester himself was frightened. This was the shot that Hal had heard as he grappled with his opponent.
Fearing a trap, Chester did not move for several moments, keeping his revolver aimed steadily. But then, as there was no sound from the German, Chester slowly moved forward.
His outstretched hand touched a soft object, and his exploring fingers sought out the German’s face.
“He’ll do no more fighting,” was Chester’s only comment.
Relieving the German of his arms and ammunition, Chester sat down to await the approach of the others, who he was certain must have heard the sound of the shot.
And they were not slow in coming. Suddenly the flame of a match appeared in the opening, and taking quick aim Chester let fly with his automatic.
There came a groan of pain from the opening to the cave, but the exact result of his shot Chester could not determine. The light had disappeared and the cave was again in darkness. Hal, at his end of the cave, having serious business of his own to attend to, had not heard this last shot.