But the three knew well that it was no withdrawal.

The mountaineers rode among some scrub that grew between the road and the cliff; and Whitley exclaimed to his two comrades: "Come boys, we must ride for it! It's our business to get back with the dispatches to Colonel Newcomb as soon as possible, an' not let ourselves be delayed by this gang." "That is certainly true," said Dick.

"Lead on, Mr.Petty, and we'll cross the mountain as fast as we can." Red Blaze started at once in a gallop, and Dick and the sergeant followed swiftly after.

But Sergeant Whitley held his cocked rifle in hand and he cast many backward glances.

A great shout came from Skelly and his band when they saw the three take to flight, and the sergeant's face grew grimmer as the sound reached his ears.
"Keep right in the middle of the road, boys," he said.