Breathless from exertion, Corning and Jack reached the trail where Ken nervously waited. Rhodes already was plunging down the path in fast retreat.
“Where’s Hap?” Jack demanded anxiously. “He was with us until a minute ago.”
Just then the Scout leader came crushing through the bushes.
“There’s a swarm of ’em!” he reported tersely. “They’re hot after us!”
The four quickly caught up with Rhodes who was in a near panic. Slipping and sliding, they made no attempt to move quietly as they crashed along the narrow, treacherous trail.
After awhile, Jack wheeled up for a moment to listen. “They’re drawing in close!” he gasped. “Maybe we ought to make a stand—”
“No!” shouted Rhodes. “Keep on! If we can make the trail junction, we can stop those devils!”
“How? With our fists? We have no ammunition.”
Rhodes’ laughter had a wild ring. “Ammunition!” he chortled. “If we can get to the junction, I’ll supply you with enough to blow Carlos to kingdom come! Steal from me, will he? I’ll show that blackguard he’s dealing with McClellan Rhodes!”