There came more pistol shots and then silence. Hal brought his own
machine to a dead stop.

A few moments later one of the automobiles ahead, as Hal could see by
the position of its searchlight, began to turn in the road. Instantly
Hal flashed his own light on and sent the car forward. This he did
because he realized it would look suspicious should the flare of the
other light show Hal's car standing still in the road.

The other car had now come about and approached Hal's machine.

McKenzie and Stubbs both had been watching the proceedings ahead with
strained eyes. Now they were ready for Hal's words:

"Guns ready back there. We'll pass if they let us alone."

The cars came closer together. Suddenly Hal was struck with a thought
that sent a chill down his spine. Suppose Chester was in that car!
Maybe the pursuit he had witnessed was the pursuit of Chester.

The cars were almost together now. Instead of turning off to the right
to allow the other to pass, as it seemed to have every intention of
doing, Hal only swerved slightly. Then, before the other car could
pass, he brought his own machine to a stop and sprang to the ground,
revolver in hand. McKenzie was close behind him.

Only Stubbs remained in the automobile, and he, too, held a revolver
ready for instant action.