As Oliver and Gus began the ascent of the rocky slope Colonel Mendix appeared at the extreme top. For a single instant he looked back and shook his fist at his pursuers.
Again the sheriff fired, and so did Felix Cottle; and this time the fleeing criminal was wounded in the leg. He gave a shrill cry of pain, sent back two shots in return, both of which flew wide of their mark and disappeared.
“He is gone!” gasped Oliver.
“Don’t you think they will get him?” queried Gus.
“I don’t see how they can; the woods over yonder are so thick. But come, we may as well follow the others;” this as the stout youth began to lag behind.
“I’m so stiff, from yesterday,” groaned Gus. But, nevertheless, he urged his horse on, and they steadily decreased the distance between themselves and Mr. Whyland and the others.
From the way the sheriff headed, it was evident he thought Colonel Mendix was trying to ride in a circle. Sheriff Shattock’s words soon proved this.
“This Mendix, as you call him,” he said, “is trying to get back to the mine. No doubt he wishes to clean out the office-safe before leaving this section of the country.”
“Then would it not be better if one of us went back toward the mine?” suggested Mr. Whyland.
“I reckon it would be.”