“We are sorry to be forced to do this,” said Hal to the men whose horses they had appropriated, “but necessity knows no law. We need these animals worse than you do; therefore, we take them.”
“We are thankful,” said one of the men, “that you have spared our lives.”
Quickly the three friends leaped into their saddles, and spurred their horses onward.
CHAPTER XVI.
ATTACKED.
For several hours the friends rode along the narrow mountain pass without incident. They stopped once at a little mountain stream to quench their thirst and to allow their horses to drink. Then they rode on again.
Rounding a sharp turn in the road, they came squarely upon half a dozen riders, all attired in Austrian uniforms. Hal realized their peril and acted upon the instant.
“Quick!” he shouted to his two friends. “Ride them down!”
The Austrians were no less surprised than the three friends at this unexpected encounter; but they also acted quickly. They reined in their horses and drew their swords and revolvers.
But before they had time to bring their revolvers to bear, the two lads and the huge Cossack were upon them, Hal slightly in the lead.