"We must leg it now!" burst out Dan. "They'll follow our trail through that brush without half trying. All together now, and do the best sprinting you can!"
And away we went, into the darkness, over a level stretch beyond the brush, and again in the direction of the cliff. Not wishing to become separated, we took hold of each other's hands.
The cliff was gained and, looking back, we were much pleased to learn that our pursuers were not yet in sight. We started to run along the edge of the rocks, when Dan called an unexpected halt.
"Do you see that fallen tree with the round stone under it?" he exclaimed, pointing out the objects with his finger. "That is where we came up. Down we go, and if only we can locate our horses we will be safe, I feel certain of it."
Down we went, feeling our way from one rock to the next, and steadying ourselves by means of the rank grass which lined the way. We had not yet gained the bottom when a sound reached our ears which gave us a good bit of satisfaction.
It was the snort of a horse, and soon we were beside the animals, who seemed much the better for the rest they had had. Untying them, we leaped into our saddles and turned back along the road we had originally pursued.
"Well, there is one thing certain," said Oliver,
