"They are men," he responded. "Men and horses." "I wonder what they are doing there," cried Sally. The youth did not reply, and Peggy caught the look that passed between him and his mother. She bent toward him quickly. "What is it?" she asked. "What does thee fear?" "I fear they are desperadoes," he replied. "I must make yon farmhouse." With an exclamation the girl turned to look again at the sand-hills. To her amazement the spots that had been so indeterminate a few moments since now had become a body of horsemen, which was moving rapidly toward them. Fairfax was pale. He leaned forward and spoke to the horses just as Sally cried: "They see us, Fairfax. They are coming on the run." "Can you drive, Peggy?" he asked. "Yes," she told him breathlessly. "Then take my place," he said. "See the farmhouse to the right on that crossroad? We must make that, Peggy. I must get out the guns. If they catch us there will be a fight." "I have the ammunition, son," said Nurse Johnson. "Get over here, and let me do the loading." Peggy took the lines, and the youth stooped down and drew the muskets from under the front seat of the sleigh. "Drive, Peggy," he called excitedly as he rose with the weapons. "Drive as you never drove before. They are gaining on us." CHAPTER X A RACE FOR LIFE "What boots the oft-repeated tale of strife, The feast of vultures, and the waste of life? * * * * * In either cause, one rage alone possess'd The empire of the alternate victor's breast; And they that smote for freedom or for sway, Deem'd few were slain while more remain to slay." --_Byron._ Peggy cast a fleeting glance backward, and the rich bloom of her cheeks faded to paleness as she saw what amazing progress the horsemen had made. Their own horses had been on the road since early morning, and should the beasts of their pursuers be fresher she feared for the result. With this reflection she cast aside her scruples and, taking the whip out of its socket, let it fall in a stinging cut. The horses leaped under the lash, then steadied to a rapid trot. Far behind sounded a faint halloa, but she did not turn her head. The horses demanded all her attention. How far away that farmhouse seemed! Could they reach it before these lawless wretches overtook them? They must. Again she let the lash fall, and the horses were off in a mad gallop. In some manner Sally and Fairfax contrived to exchange places, and with stern set features the youth sat watching the rapid advance of the enemy, his musket ready for instant use. There were two guns. His mother held the other, and the ammunition lay on the seat between them. Not one of the little party voiced the thought that was in their minds, for each one realized the awful consequences that would follow capture by these desperadoes.