Now the second Austrian drew close upon the lad. Once more the latter abruptly checked his horse and turned to face the Austrian. The latter, perceiving the boy’s maneuver, also drew rein. But he was not quick enough, and a second bullet from Chester’s revolver laid him low. Once more the lad turned his horse’s head forward and dashed on.
The third Austrian, unmindful of the fate that had overtaken his two companions, still dashed after the lads. He gained steadily, and was now a considerable distance ahead of the main body of the enemy. A third time Chester turned suddenly on the foe and a third time his revolver spoke. He missed, and the Austrian opened with his own revolver. But his aim was no better.
Chester, sitting quietly on his horse, then took careful and deliberate aim and at his next shot, the Austrian fell to the ground. Then he turned and rode on after Hal, who had slowed down to wait for him.
Once more the lads put spurs to their horses and dashed on–each forward stride of their animals taking them much nearer the Russian lines and safety–until at last they made out in the distance the outposts of the Russian camp.
Hal raised a cry of triumph, but at the same moment his horse stepped into a hole and went to his knees, hurling Hal over his head.
Chester reined in alongside his friend and leaped to the ground. The Austrians, perceiving the lad’s misfortune, bore down on them with a wild cry of joy.
CHAPTER XXVII.
SAFE.
In spite of his tumble, Hal was uninjured and sprang quickly to his feet. Chester turned to the prostrate horse, and attempted to get it to its feet. The horse moaned with pain, and Chester gave up the attempt, for he realized in an instant that the animal had broken its leg in the fall.
With revolvers in hands, both lads turned to face their foes.