“I wouldn’t dispute you for the world,” said Chester. “I just wondered.”
Alexis would have replied, but at that instant his hat was lifted from his head, and all four became aware of the distant sound of a shot. Quickly all dropped to the ground, but they were not quick enough to go unscathed. A bullet struck Stephan in the arm, and he dropped it to his side with a cry.
Instantly Alexis was all anxiety. He jumped to his brother’s side.
“Are you much hurt, Stephan?” he asked tenderly, taking the injured arm in his hand.
“Just a scratch,” replied Stephan. “I’ll be all right.”
Nevertheless Alexis would not rest until he had bound up the wound with his handkerchief. In the meantime, from their positions on the ground, the others had been popping away at the enemy. Several rounds of shots were exchanged but none of the four friends was hit again. The enemy was so far away that the lads could not tell whether or not their fire was effective.
Bullets began to drop closely about them, in their exposed position. Also they fell oftener now, indicating that the force opposed to them was numerically superior.
“Great Scott!” exclaimed Hal, as his hat seemed to leap suddenly from his head. “We’ll have to get away from here. This is too close for comfort.”
“You bet,” said Chester. “Now when I say the word we’ll all jump to our feet and make a dash for those trees in the distance.”
At the word, the four sprang to their feet, and not even waiting to take a parting shot at the enemy, dashed away as fast as their feet would carry them. Hal took the lead, and behind him came Stephan, then Alexis and then Chester.