"They're getting closer," announced Will, as they trotted along a ledge which skirted a dizzy canyon. "I can hear them more plainly."
"Guess you're right," admitted Jed. "Suppose we hide the gold somewhere, and let them catch us?"
"No, there's no telling what such desperate men would do to us. Let's keep on."
They urged their tired horses to a gallop. As they turned into a broader part of the trail, they could hear the rattle of stones dislodged by the horses of their pursuers.
"They're closing in," spoke Jed, "and I can't get any more speed out of Pete. I guess it's all up with us."
"Better give up!" called a voice behind them. "We've got you, and the longer we have to chase you, the worse it will be. Hold on now, or I'll shoot!"
They had a glimpse of Morton, with a revolver in his hand.
"Think he'll shoot?" asked Will.
Before Jed had a chance to answer there came the sharp crack of the weapon, and a bullet sang through the air over the boys' heads. Morton had purposely fired high, as he only wanted to scare the lads, but the shot had an unexpected effect. It so startled the horses of Jed and Will that they galloped forward as no urging by voice or whip could have made them.
"Shoot again!" cried Jed softly. "That's what we need. We'll leave 'em behind again!"