At the moment of the discharge of the pistol the uncoupled engine started forward, away from the train, with a hissing of steam. This noise must have drowned out the noise of the single shot from the train robbers up forward.
Suddenly Major Davis shot out his left arm, and Hal, bumping against it, halted beside the officer.
"There are two of the men, standing by the mail car," whispered the major. "Raise your revolver. Ready! Fire!"
"Back, All Three of You!"
Both the major's revolver and Hal's spat out jets of flame. Both poured their shots in rapidly at the two men whom they could just make out in the darkness ahead.
Then Hal had a sudden, new sensation, not by any means agreeable.
The two men, neither hit so far, turned and raised their own weapons. It seemed like two bright cascades of flame just ahead, as the ruffians fired, kneeling.
Bullets whistled close to the major and the two recruits on either side.