But the sound of the shot aroused the Austrian camp. Men came rushing forward.
The boys leaped to the backs of two horses and spurred on.
“It’s a race for life, Hal!” shouted Chester, as the horses dashed ahead.
CHAPTER XXVI.
A DASH FOR LIFE.
One glance over his shoulder convinced Hal that at least half a dozen of the enemy had mounted and were spurring forward in pursuit. He passed the word to Chester, and bending low in their saddles, the lads urged their horses to greater efforts.
From ahead suddenly came a body of horsemen. Before they realized it, the lads were dashing by these at a distance of less than a hundred yards. Here the Austrian uniforms stood them in good stead. The officer hesitated to give a command to his men to fire on what were apparently Austrian officers, and before he was made aware of the situation by shouts from behind, the lads had placed considerable distance between themselves and these new enemies.
Now the latter also turned and gave chase.
After some minutes the lads realized that they were easily maintaining their lead and breathed easier.
“We’ll get away yet if our horses don’t give out!” shouted Chester.