"It's one of our own countrywomen—our own United States. We're coming, madam!"
Dan was off with a bound, followed a few paces behind by his red-haired friend, Sam Hickey.
As they ran they made out a coupé that had been drawn up beside the road. One man was holding the horses by the heads, while a group of others were standing by the door of the carriage.
"What's going on there?" demanded Dan.
"I—I guess Napoleon didn't chase all the robbers out," stammered Hickey in a doubtful tone.
"They are robbers and they're robbing two lone women," exclaimed Dan.
"I guess we're Johnnie-on-the-spot, then," answered Sam. "Me for the party holding the horses. He looks kind of weak like."
Two women, attired in evening gowns, were standing beside their carriage, which, at a glance, was seen to be an elegant private equipage. The men surrounding the women wore small, black caps with the visors pulled down over their eyes, and long, flowing handkerchiefs about their necks.
As the lads drew near they saw two of the men strip the handkerchiefs from their necks, quickly twisting the cloths about the necks of the women. The cries of the latter were stilled almost instantly.
"Break away, you villains!" roared Dan Davis.