Then they grew still and lay low out of sight as the silent riders approached.

The hoofs of the onrushing horses rang now and then on the harsh outcropping rock, and here and there struck fire.

Armitage sat erect and steady in his saddle, his horse speeding on in great bounds toward the barricade.

His lips moved in a curious stiff fashion, as though he were ill, muttering: "For Austria! For Austria! He bade me do something for the Empire!" Beyond the cedars the trio held their fire, watching with fascinated eyes the two riders, every instant drawing closer, and the runner who followed them.
"They can't jump this--they'll veer off before they get here," shouted Chauvenet to his comrades.

"Wait till they check their horses for the turn." "We are fools.