Bang! Bang! came two answering shots.
“Hippy fired the first shot! I must get in,” cried Grace, pressing close to the rocks on the upper side of the trail, and creeping forward.
The firing on both sides was increasing in rapidity, and it was apparent that a hot fight was in progress.
Four men suddenly ran past her, one being supported by a companion on either side, but she could barely discern the figures in the fog.
“Halt!” commanded Grace sternly, bringing her weapon up in readiness to enforce her command.
The answer to her challenge was a shot, which Grace answered with a bullet from her bandit revolver, but in the mist all objects were distorted and her aim was bad.
Another bullet, this time from the right, whistled over Grace Harlowe’s head, fired from Lieutenant Wingate’s weapon. Hippy had seen, and was firing at her.
“Overland!” shouted the girl.
“Grace!”
“Yes. Hurry! We can get them. Don’t shoot till you catch up with me. Hurry, hurry!”