Part 24 (1/2)
”Now we'll have an interview with our friend,” he said.
They rode forward slowly.
”Funny he doesn't come out and show himself,” said Hal.
”Guess he thinks we are enemies, too,” suggested Colonel Anderson.
”Well--whoa, there.”
He broke off suddenly and ducked his head, for a bullet had whistled just above him. He raised his voice in a shout:
”Hey!” he cried in English, forgetting just where he was, ”what do you mean shooting at us? Quit it. We're friends.”
”That you, Hal?” came a familiar voice.
Hal, Chester and Colonel Anderson gazed into each other's eyes almost dumbfounded.
”Well, what do you think of that?” exclaimed Hal.
There came a pleased chuckle from one member of the party, who rushed forward happily.
It was Nikol.
”Now where is he going?” demanded Chester anxiously.
”Going to greet his friend Stubbs,” returned Hal. ”To Nikol, Stubbs is a brave man and a grand fighter; and what has happened just now will only increase his admiration. Come on, let's go and have a look for ourselves.”
”Is that you, Hal, Chester?” came Stubbs' voice again.
”Yes,” Hal shouted back.
They rode forward.
Anthony Stubbs, now that he had found his friends again, came forward as fast as his queer stature would permit. He was puffing and blowing so hard by the time he reached them that he could hardly talk. Of Nikol, who stuck close to his side, eyeing him admiringly, he took no notice.
”By George! It's good to see you fellows again,” declared Stubbs. ”I thought my days were numbered when that gang of ruffians set upon me.
I didn't want to fight, but I had to. It seems to me I got seven or eight of them.”
”Well, how do you happen to be here, anyhow?” demanded Chester.
”My horse threw me and went away by himself,” said Stubbs mournfully. ”If I ever see him again I'll tell him about it. He might have got me killed.”
Nikol now forced himself in front of Stubbs and extended a hand.
”Mr. Stubbs,” he said quietly, ”you are a brave and gallant man.”
Stubbs was pleased. He made as though to take the hand; then thought better of it. He remembered the grip of those powerful fingers.
He shuddered.