"Noll!" called Hal sharply, and threw himself to the ground before the masked ruffian.
Like a flash Hal wrapped his arms around the knees of the masked robber. In almost the same instant Hal struggled to his feet, carrying the unknown's legs up with him.
Of course the ruffian toppled over backward. But Noll, who had darted to his chum's aid, hurled himself upon the fellow, striking him hard three times between the eyes.
The masked man's revolver was discharged as he toppled over backward, but the bullet sped harmlessly off into the night.
In another second Hal had the fellow's revolver.
"Fix him, Noll!" called Private Overton, darting forward to the officer's side.
"I have, already," muttered Noll. But he bent for an instant over the unconscious ruffian's body, then darted forward.
"Here's his box of cartridges, Hal," panted Noll.
All this had seemed to occupy but a few seconds.
"Splendidly done!" glowed Major Davis. "Now come forward, and support me."