Now Colonel Anderson and Hal fired simultaneously. Another man
dropped--it was impossible to tell whether Hal or Colonel Anderson had
scored a hit.

The two remaining riders drew their horses upon their haunches, and
headed them for the friendly protection of the trees. Hal and Colonel
Anderson fired a parting shot, but they were unable to tell whether the
bullets had gone home.

Chester, behind Hal, had been unable to get into the battle, Hal's figure
interfering with his aim.

"Well, I don't think the two of them will bother us," said Hal.

"No," Chester agreed. "And there are two loose horses. I'm going to get
one of them."

"Better make it two," said Colonel Anderson. "Our ally beyond, whoever he
may be, may need one."

Chester nodded.

"He deserves one," he said. "He knocked off three of these fellows."

He secured the two horses without much trouble, mounted one and led
the other.

"Now we'll have an interview with our friend," he said.