"Ummm," grunted the lieutenant. Then: "Doesn't look like much chance of
getting through here."
At the same instant there came from the rear the sound of the footsteps
of a large body of men approaching with confusion.
"The crowd!" cried Hal.
The lieutenant was a man of action, as already has been seen.
"Follow me!" he exclaimed, and dashed to the right. His three companions
ran after him.
Suddenly the lieutenant stopped and pointed ahead.
"Horses!" he whispered. "Good!"
He advanced more slowly, the others closely behind him.
"If we can cut out four horses," explained the lieutenant, "we will have
a chance. We'll make a dash and trust to luck and the darkness."
Silently they approached the horses, which stood quietly a few yards
away. A sentry passed nearby, and the four companions dropped to the
ground. Fortunately, the sentry did not look in their direction.
"That's what I call luck," whispered Hal.
From behind the sounds of confusion became more audible, indicating the
rapid approach of the crowd. At the same time lights flared up in the
huts, and an officer stepped to the entrance of one only a few feet from
the four friends.
He espied them on the instant, and then the lieutenant acted.
"Quick!" he cried, and jumped toward the horses.
A revolver cracked, and a bullet whined over Hal's head even as he
leaped forward.
With a bound all four fugitives were among the horses, and almost with a
single movement each threw himself into a saddle.
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