Bang, bang!

The shots were fired with such suddenness that Ned did not realize the fellow had turned until after the rifle had spit two charges of fire and lead.  Ned’s head dropped.  Everything grew black about him again.  The lad was in a fainting condition.  It was all up with him now.

Ned had tried to cry out, but the words would not come.  He could not utter a sound if his very life depended upon so doing.

Ned found his voice at last.  It rose in a mighty yell for help, a yell that carried far beyond the spot where those exciting scenes were being enacted.

CHAPTER V

WHEN THE TABLES WERE TURNED

At the instant when Ned had shot his quick glance at the wondering Tad, the latter with quick instinct, realizing that Ned had made a serious mistake, threw himself flat on the ground.

That move undoubtedly saved Tad Butler’s life.  At least, two bullets went ripping through the foliage over his head.  The move served the further purpose of hiding him from the man who was shooting at him.  The mountaineer had not even caught a sight of Butler, quick as had been his turn about.  The fellow swung to the right letting go two more shots, evidently believing that he had not fired in the right direction.

In Tad Butler’s right hand was gripped a piece of rock that he had grabbed when he threw himself to the ground.  The boy came to his feet as if propelled by a spring.  At that second the eyes of the mountaineer were fixed on a point several yards to the left of Tad.

Without a sound Tad let go the rock.  But the movement caught the eyes of the ruffian.  He swung toward Butler at the same instant pulling the trigger of his rifle.

Once more the rifle roared its savage protest.  But that was its last roar for the time being.  Almost at the instant when he pulled the trigger the mountaineer received Tad’s rock in the pit of his stomach.  With such force had the missile been hurled that the fellow staggered back, the rifle falling from his hands, both of which were suddenly clasped over the part of his anatomy that had been struck.

The fellow uttered a howl of pain.  He swayed and staggered then fell over a dead limb, landing flat on his back with a crash.

Tad, without an instant’s hesitation, sprang forward.  The eyes of the plucky Pony Rider Boy were flashing.  Tad had not even thought to draw his revolver.  But his anger was kindled.  He was dangerous in his present mood.  He did not pause to think what a terrible chance he was taking in thus rushing forward.  Fortunately for Tad, however, the mountaineer was suffering such agonies that he either gave no thought to the revolver that was hanging at his side, or else he was too weak to draw it.  He staggered to his feet, swaying, groaning, shoulders hunched forward, chin on his breast.