"
For some time the boys sailed along without a word, and then, just as
Chester opened his mouth to ask Hal where he supposed they were, there
was the sound of rushing wings, and, turning in his seat, Chester beheld
a huge shape rushing after them.
"Speed up, Hal!" cried Chester. "We are pursued!"
Without stopping to ask questions, Hal threw the speed lever over, and
the machine leaped forward like some live thing.
At the same moment there came the crack of a rifle, and, as Hal dropped
one arm from the steering wheel the aeroplane rocked crazily and dived
toward the ground.
The bullet had grazed Hal's left shoulder.
With a desperate effort, the lad righted the machine with his one good
arm, and it shot upward again.
"What's the matter?" gasped Chester. "Are you hurt?"
"Hit in the shoulder," replied Hal briefly. "I suppose whoever fired
aimed at the machine. I just happened to be in the way, that's all."
"But you can't drive with one arm! Hadn't we better--"
"Can't!" exclaimed Hal. "I've got to!"
At that moment both boys were almost blinded by the glare of a dazzling
light directly ahead!
CHAPTER XI.
OVER THE FRONTIER.
"What's that?" cried Chester, in consternation.
"I haven't any idea," replied Hal; "but it looks like a searchlight."
"Hadn't you better slow down?"
"With our pursuers just behind? I guess not."
And, with a touch of the lever, Hal sent the machine forward even faster
than before.
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