As he dashed from the restaurant, Chester leaped to his feet and, back bristling, jaws distended, faced the pursuers.
"That's Ford's dog!" gasped the waiter. "That fellow must have been one of his men!"
The commotion had attracted the attention of the loungers in the store and as they hurried to the street, the conspirators, pointing to Bob, yelled:
"Stop him! Stop him!"
But Bob, paying no heed, raced to where Firefly stood, vaulted into his saddle and, with the dog at his heels, dashed up the street.
CHAPTER XXIV
A RACE FOR LIFE
Believing the men who tried to stop Bob must have been robbed, several of those about the store leaped onto their horses and gave chase.
Meantime, the conspirators, balked in their attempt to prevent the boy's escape, held a consultation.