"Hold on," said Stubbs. He pointed ahead and slightly to the left. "Here
comes a gang after us now."

The others glanced in the direction indicated. A body of men afoot,
perhaps a dozen all told, were approaching.

"Yes," said Chester, "here comes a gang, but that's no sign they
are enemies."

"Everybody is an enemy in these parts," said Stubbs sententiously.

"By George, you are the limit, Stubbs!" declared Chester. "Now, I'll
tell you what I'll do. I'll just bet you something pretty you're wrong
in this case."

"Well, I ain't wrong," returned Stubbs, forgetting his grammar. "I'll
take that bet. But in the meantime you fellows have a look at your guns.
I may need protection."

This was good advice and the others realized it. They acted on it and the
chamber of Colonel Anderson's revolver snapped with a click that
emphasized his next remark:

"Can't trust them," he said.

The men were close now, and they appeared to be friendly enough. At sight
of the prisoner in the center, one of them cried:

"Ho, Nicolas! where are you going?"