"The prisoners have escaped!" answered one of the guards. "We were attacked by some men from behind. There they go!"
"Stop!" roared the leader of the desperadoes, and raised his rifle. But before he could take aim our friends were behind the shelter of the trees.
It took but a few seconds to loosen the horses, and as the captain and the two boys had long since relieved themselves of their bonds they were soon in the saddle and following the old scout, who seemed to know the way perfectly, despite the darkness.
"It was lucky you came up, Benson!" cried Joe, as they dashed along.
"Wait, we are not yet out of this trouble," answered Benson. "Hark! they are following!"
He was right. Gilroy and several of his men had rushed to their horses, and were now coming along the forest trail at a good rate of speed.
But their horses were no better than the animals our friends rode, so the desperadoes did not succeed in cutting down the distance between the two parties, and at last gave up the chase.
"It has been a most stirring adventure from start to finish," said Captain Moore after each had told his story. "And it brings to an end this outing. I must now get to the fort without delay."
"And I am perfectly willing to go along," said Darry. "There is no fun in hunting in a country where the desperadoes are so thick."
"This will open Colonel Fairfield's eyes," went on the young officer. "I shouldn't be surprised if he organized another expedition against Gilroy's gang and didn't let up on them until they were all either in prison or shot down."