"When they set fire to the barn, and I realized I couldn't get out, I
gave up. I did shoot one through a crack, but a moment later a shot came
through and caught me in the side. That's the last I remember until I
returned to consciousness and learned that you had saved me."

"Well," said Chester, "you certainly have had an eventful time."

"There is no question about that," Hal agreed. "But how do you feel
now, captain?"

"Tip top. And you?"

"First rate."

The troop continued at a trot, and Hal now believed that they were out of
danger--that there was no likelihood of encountering a force of the
enemy--and turned to his friends, remarking:

"Well, we might as well--Hello!"

He broke off suddenly and checked the pace of his horse.

"What's up?" demanded Chester, doing likewise.

For answer Hal pointed down the road. A man was approaching them at
a dead run.