But this was not to be done so easily, for even as he spoke the officer rapped out a command and a group of twenty horsemen began to spread out and surround the place where the Army boys were crouching.
To remain there would be fatal, for it was only a matter of a few minutes before that ring would close upon them with a grip of iron. At all hazards they must break through.
"Stick together, fellows," murmured Frank. "Get your rifles ready. We can't miss at this distance. When I say the word, give them a volley and make a break for the road. It's our only chance, for they'd surely round us up in these bushes."
"We're with you, boy," replied Bart, and the little party crouched lower with their fingers on trigger.
Frank waited until the nearest horsemen were not more than ten feet away. Then he sprang to his feet with a shout.
"Fire!" he cried, and a stream of flame leaped from the bushes.
Two of the riders threw up their hands and pitched from their saddles. A third seized with his left hand the rein that dropped from his right. There was a moment of confusion, and Frank and his comrades took instant advantage of it.
With a rush they reached the road and tore down it for dear life, while behind them thundered the Uhlans in hot pursuit!