was a distinct surprise, the foe opened with their revolvers.

Without checking their wild speed, Hal and Chester fired point blank into
the faces of the men who barred their way. Whether they hit or not it was
impossible to tell, but two men who were unable to jump out of the way in
time, were knocked down by the foremost horses and the rest of the little
troop passed over their prostrate forms.

But now beyond the enemy, Hal and Chester, leading, did not check the
speed of their horses, for Colonel Edwards had mentioned the fact
that there were more horses in the barn, and all knew that there
would be pursuit.

Behind, some of the men had fallen to their knees and taken
deliberate aim at the flying riders, and the sharp crack, crack of
the weapons continued for several seconds. Bullets flew near, but not
one struck home.

Out of revolver shot, Hal and Chester drew up their horses to take stock.

"Any one hit?" demanded Hal.

There was no reply.

"All right," said Hal, "we'll move on again."

Colonel Edwards, glancing to the rear at that moment, called:

"Here they come!"