"Perhaps they will not use pistols," suggested the other.

"Then, as soon as they strike or spring upon him."

In a few seconds, Hadley came abreast of the villains who were lying in
wait for him.

"Now!" said Bill in a hoarse whisper, and the two at once sprang upon the
lone rider, and fired the contents of their pistols into his breast. He
fell from his seat, with a deep groan. The murderers were about to rifle
his pockets, when they were arrested in their work of robbery by the
approach of the other two horsemen, and seeing their danger, hastened to
mount, and left the scene of their bloody deed, at the top of their horses'
speed. The others pursued for a mile or more, and then returned to look
after the slain man and their booty.

"By heavens, it's not the man!" they exclaimed in a breath, as they knelt
by the side of Hadley.

"As I live, it is our acquaintance of yesterday! Poor fellow, he deserved a
better fate."

"He did, indeed. Let us return his kindness by seeing that he is decently
buried; we owe him this much at least."

"So we do. If I had known it was him he should not have died in this way."

"Shall we go back or forward with him?"