The three took their departure, going in the direction the man had pointed out. But once out of sight, Hal changed the course, and they bore off to the southwest for several hours, looking for a place to secrete themselves for the day.
“We shall have to be very careful,” said Chester.
The truth of this statement was proved a moment later. From behind came the sharp crack of a rifle. Chester’s hat leaped from his head.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE BANDIT CHIEF.
Hal, Chester and Alexis threw themselves to the ground with a single movement. A second bullet sped harmlessly overhead.
“We didn’t come here to fight,” Hal whispered to his friends, “so here goes.”
He drew a handkerchief from his pocket, and waved it aloft. This was answered by a command in German, from some distance away.
“Stand up; put your hands above your heads and advance.”
The three friends did as commanded. Three swarthy-faced men, with leveled revolvers, advanced to meet them. Quickly they searched their prisoners, relieved them of their weapons, and bound their hands securely.