It did flash into his mind that his landlord at Go ’long had spoken of the coach being held up occasionally, but Jack had placed little stock in the stories. In fact, he rather inclined to think that old Jerry was telling them with the idea of getting a rise out of a Tenderfoot. Still, there were a few mines in that part of the country and occasionally gold was shipped through to Go ’long, which was not far from the main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad. But Jack had only made a few paces forward on his quickened mount when three other shots rang out in rapid succession. “Now I am perfectly sure there is trouble on the trail ahead!” exclaimed Jack to himself, urging his pony forward at a yet faster gait. The idea of personal danger did not enter Jack’s head, although the scene that he beheld as he swept round the curve on his galloping pony might well have alarmed an older hand than he. Coming toward him at a hard gallop was the Go ’long coach. Its six horses were in a lather of perspiration, and the coach was swaying wildly from side to side. From the top of the coach a fusilade was being fired at three men in pursuit of the vehicle. These latter appeared to be returning the fire with good will. At almost the same moment that his eye took in these details Jack became aware that, besides the driver of the stage, there were three other occupants on the roof. These were Captain Atkinson of the Rangers, Ralph Stetson and Walt Phelps. As he perceived all this Jack drew his pony back on his haunches and waited whatever might turn up, for it was his determination to aid his friends. CHAPTER XXI. THE STAGE HOLD–UP. Suddenly Jack saw the driver lurch forward in his seat. Perhaps he had been killed, perhaps he was only badly injured. Instantly Jack’s mind was made up. Snatching off his hat, he waved it about his head. At the same time he turned in his saddle and yelled back down the trail, as if a numerous band was coming round the turn: “Come on, boys! Hurry up and we’ll get them!” The pursuers of the coach stopped suddenly. Then they wheeled their ponies about and dashed off at top speed. Jack’s ruse had succeeded. Evidently the highwaymen thought that a large body of horsemen was behind Jack. At any rate, they deemed it more prudent not to wait to find out. But only one serious aspect of the situation was relieved by the abrupt departure of the highwaymen. The limp form of the coachman hung on the box, almost toppling off the seat. The lines had dropped from his hands and lay on the backs of the terrified wheelers. On they came, thundering at runaway speed, while Jack hesitated, his mind full of the thought of that dangerous bit of road that lay ahead. He shouted up to his companions on the roof: “Hullo, boys! I’m with you again!” There was a yell of joy. An answer to his hail came quickly. “Jack Merrill, by all that’s wonderful!” “Jack! How under the sun did he get here!” “It’s Jack on deck again as usual!”