At that moment, the Austrians who had been scouring the woods for the fugitives, attracted by the sound of the shot, came into sight and dashed toward the lads, their revolvers spitting fire as they ran.
“Come on!” cried Hal to Chester.
It was no time to hesitate, nor to fight back while there was a chance of getting away. Putting spurs to their horses both lads were soon out of range.
“Now,” said Chester, “we shall have to keep a sharp lookout for other Austrians in front; for it is certain all of our pursuers didn’t enter the woods after us.”
“Right you are,” replied Hal.
They rode forward at a quick trot, and soon were out of sight of the enemy behind. For perhaps fifteen minutes they continued on their way without interruption, and then a band of horsemen bore down on them.
“Austrians,” said Chester briefly. “What shall we do?”
“Go straight ahead,” replied Hal quickly. “Perhaps they will not recognize us. We still have our Austrian uniforms. It may be they will take us for some of the searching party.”
They drew nearer the approaching horsemen. The latter reined in their mounts.
“Did you find them?” Hal called out.