Hal fired one shot as he swept down upon the foe, but there was no time for more. The nine horsemen met with a shock, but the Austrians, being motionless, had the worst of it. The momentum of the horses ridden by the two lads and the Cossack carried them through.
“Ride!” shouted Hal, as they burst through the enemy.
It was no time for fighting if it could be avoided, and the lads realized it. All three put spurs to their horses and dashed down the road, rounding a bend just as the Austrians, having recovered, fired. None was hit.
“This is one time where discretion is the better part of valor,” panted Hal to his friends, who were riding close beside him. “We’ll run for it.”
The Austrians quickly turned their horses and dashed on in pursuit.
Hal, glancing back, saw that the enemy was not gaining, and reported this to his friends. Thus encouraged, they urged their mounts even faster, and before long had drawn out of sight of the pursuers. But at the very moment they seemed to be safe, Chester’s horse stumbled and fell, hurling the lad headlong.
Quickly the others drew up and rushed to his assistance. The lad was not badly hurt, and was soon able to stand. Then, from the rear, came the sounds of their pursuers.
“We can’t stand here,” cried Hal. “Quick, Chester! Into this clump of trees.”
Chester did as told and Alexis followed him. Hal, however, seizing the two horses that were standing led them in between the trees. Then he sprang to the side of the fallen animal. Grasping him by the head, he succeeded in getting him to his feet and under cover just before the Austrians came into sight. A minute later the Austrians swept by.
Hal breathed a sigh of relief.