Part 23 (1/2)

”Good for hi about?” deuards

”I want to know about that pounding overhead,” said Captain Moore ”I don't want the roof to cave in on us”

He spoke so decidedly that both of the guards were deceived

”nobody is up there,” said one of the two ”It o up and look?” asked the young officer

”You want the chance to get away,” was the suspicious answer

”How can we get ae are unar loudly, for old Benson's benefit ”It won't take you a e

”We'll stay right here,” said one, and the other nodded affirmatively

In the meantime old Benson had crawled closer, until he was directly behind the pair

Now of a sudden he leaped between theht their rifles and twisted the weapons frorasp

[Illustration: ”HE LEAPED BETWEEN THEM AND CAUGHT THEIR RIFLES”]

As the old scout did this, the young captain also leaped in, followed by Joe and Darry

The guards struggled, but with four against the One, however, had a powerful pair of lungs, and before he could be stopped, set up a loud cry of alarm

”Come with me!” cried old Benson ”Be quick, or it will be too late!”

He led the way to the here the horses were tethered, and the captain, Joe, and Darry caotten away frouards when the whole camp was in alar to his feet and catching up his rifle

”The prisoners have escaped!” answered one of the guards ”We were attacked by soo!”

”Stop!” roared the leader of the desperadoes, and raised his rifle But before he could take aim our friends were behind the shelter of the trees

It took but a few seconds to loosen the horses, and as the captain and the two boys had long since relieved themselves of their bonds they were soon in the saddle and following the old scout, who seemed to know the way perfectly, despite the darkness

”It was lucky you ca

”Wait, we are not yet out of this trouble,” answered Benson ”Hark! they are following!”

He was right Gilroy and several of histhe forest trail at a good rate of speed