Part 23 (2/2)
Hal, glancing back, saw that the ene, and reported this to his friends Thus encouraged, they urged their ht of the pursuers But at the very moment they see the lad headlong
Quickly the others drew up and rushed to his assistance The lad was not badly hurt, and was soon able to stand Then, from the rear, came the sounds of their pursuers
”We can't stand here,” cried Hal ”Quick, Chester! Into this clump of trees”
Chester did as told and Alexis followed hi led the to the side of the fallen ani him to his feet and under cover just before the Austrians caht A h of relief
”Pretty close,” he said quietly ”Now let's get out of here by the other side”
Leading the two horses they started on Five h the trees what appeared to be a barn They advanced toward it Not a soul was about, but they proceeded cautiously for they did not wish to walk into a trap
Hal tried the door to the barn It was locked Alexis soon remedied this, however One quick twitch of his wrist and the lock came off Hal went in, and started back with a cry of surprise
”What's the matter?” demanded Chester
”Matter?” repeated Hal ”Look!”
He stepped back and Chester peered over his shoulder
”Automobiles!” he said in astonishe touring cars
”What on earth can they be doing here, I wonder,” said Chester
”I haven't the faintest idea,” replied Hal, ”but if we can find any petrol I should say it is a lucky find for us”
He made a rapid inspection of the shed, and stopped at the far end with a lohistle
”What is it now?” deallons of it Nohat do you suppose it is here for?”
”That doesn't concern us,” said Chester dryly ”We'll fill up the tank of one of these cars and get away”
Quickly this was done, and the car was run out the door Chester climbed into the rear seat and motioned for Alexis to follow him Alexis hesitated
”I've never been in one of those things,” he said slowly ”Now, a horse is all right I know all about a horse But I don't know anything about these things”
”Never mind that,” said Chester ”Get in here quick Those Austrians are likely to be back any minute and we must hurry”
Alexis climbed in, plainly not without trepidation, and sank back in one of the comfortable seats Hal already had taken his place at the wheel, and slowly the large machine moved forward
”I wonder,” said Hal to Chester, ”whether we can go down these passes safely”