Again came the report of the rifle and the noise of a bullet speeding on its errand of death. As Jack had stooped to run he had taken a quick glance over his shoulder. Now he closed in nearer to Ned.
"That fellow is in the house on our right," he panted. "I saw the flash of the gun as he fired that time."
Ned's only reply was a quick nod. He did not waste breath in making a reply where none was needed. For answer he merely extended his hand to administer a touch of encouragement on Jack's shoulder.
By this time darkness had settled almost completely over the place, and the boys found running in the not over-excellent highway a task that required every ounce of their strength and agility.
Presently Ned slackened speed. His companions did likewise.
"Whew!" the boy panted. "That was rather exciting, wasn't it?"
"Sure was," came Harry's labored answer. "But we ought to be somewhere near the Eagle by this time," he added.
"I think I recognize those trees there now," Ned put in as the three advanced at a walk. "Let's get into the field and be on our way just as quickly as we can. I don't like to be shot at."
"Do you think we have gasoline enough for an extended flight?" asked Harry anxiously. "We'd feel nice to get caught with a flat tire or something a mile up in the air."
"We have plenty, I think," was Ned's answer. "We can gauge the tank easily enough if we can't see the indicator."