This told the others following that the prey had been sighted and
they dashed forward.
"Come as fast as you can, Stubbs," shouted Hal. "We've got to get out
of sight."
In the distance Hal saw a solitary figure standing before a tent. He knew
that this figure had seen him and decided that the man must be disposed
of before he could give the alarm, Therefore, he headed straight for him.
As he ran, Hal expected every moment that the figure before the tent
would open fire on him and his own revolver was held ready should the
man's first shot go wild. Hal did not wish to fire if he could
possibly avoid it.
Close behind Hal, Stubbs panted and puffed along. Once Hal was forced to
reduce his speed in order that Stubbs might keep up with him. The little
man was doing his best, but his short legs were not built to maintain a
pace that Hal could set. Besides, he had long since lost his youthfulness
and he could not run as he had done in his earlier days.
"I can't go much farther, Hal," he gasped.
"Just a little ways, Stubbs," Hal urged him on. "See that man in the tent
there? That's where we'll hide. I'll knock him out if he doesn't get me
first. The fool! He is taking a long chance.
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