charged right at them.

In spite of their numbers, the pursuers, after one hasty volley,
turned and fled as the three charged down upon them. The three fired
once each at the foe and one man dropped. Then they checked their
horses, dismounted and made their way into the woods, where they
joined the others.

"Well," said Chester. "Here we are. Now what?"

"I don't know," said Hal. "We might push on through the woods, leaving
the horses here, or we might wait until dark and make another break. We
can probably lose our pursuers some way."

"I should say the latter is the better plan," said Colonel Edwards. "If
Ivan will start first, we can come on an hour later. We can protect his
flight. Because of his great weight his horse cannot keep up with the
rest of us."

Ivan protested. He didn't want to go and leave the others behind. But at
last he agreed.

"Then I can see no reason for waiting until dark," said Chester. "Let
Ivan mount now and make a break for it. We can cover him. They won't get
by us. An hour later we can start."

After some further discussion, this plan was adopted; and grumbling
somewhat, Ivan mounted in the shelter of the trees. When the Cossack was
ready, Hal peered out. A short distance back he could see the pursuers
and his appearance drew a shot. But the men were too far away to aim with