No one was visible in the pass, but that was no sign that there was no one there, as Harding and Doctor Dick well knew.
Just as the leaders reached the cross, a voice called out:
"Halt!"
Hard went the foot of the driver upon the brake, and his hands pulled the team to a sudden stop.
Doctor Dick instinctively dropped his hand upon his revolver, but removed it instantly, and calmly awaited the issue.
The coach having halted, the same voice called out:
"Is there any one inside the coach?"
"No one," answered Harding.
"If you lie to me, Harding, your life will be the forfeit."
"All right, so be it, sir; but Doctor Dick and I are all that came."