ill
another shout roused him, and he saw that his pursuers were calling to a
party of men coming with a cart from the other direction, and who had
started forward to join in the pursuit.

His idea a minute before had been to wait his opportunity, leap into the
wood, and hide while the men went by. Now he saw that his only course
was to dash in amongst the forest trees in full sight of his pursuers,
and trust to his speed or the density of the way, for his retreat was
cut off, and he had no other chance.

There was no time for hesitation, so, catching at a pendent bough, he
swung himself up the sandy bank, but slipped and fell back, losing part
of the ground he had won by his greater speed; but his next effort was
more successful, and pressing in amongst the low undergrowth he forced
his way along.

Hilary's desires went far faster than his legs, for it was very hard
work here. The low birch scrub and hazel, interspersed with sapling
ash, mingled and were interlaced with the shade-loving woodland bramble,
whose spiny strands wove the branches together, clung to his clothes and
checked him continually. Well might they be called briars, for it was
as if a hundred hands were snatching at him. But, keeping his hands
well before his face, he struggled on, with the wood growing denser each
moment and his pursuers close behind.

"Ah, if I only had half a dozen of our lads here," he panted, "how I
would turn upon these cowardly rascals! Twelve against one, and hunting
him down. Never mind," he cried, making a vicious cut with his weapon
at a bramble that met him breast high, "I'd rather be the hunted stag
than one of a pack of miserable hounds."

At another time the wild untrodden wood must have filled him with
delight, so full was it of beauty. The earth was carpeted with
brilliant moss, which ran over the old stumps and climbed the boles of
the great forest-trees; woodland flowers were crushed beneath his feet,
and the sunlight danced amongst the leaves. Every here and there a
frightened rabbit rushed away, while the long forest arcades echoed with
the cries of the startled birds.

But Hilary was too hot and excited to notice any of the beauties around.
His drenching was forgotten, and he was beginning to pant with heat,
while the shouts of his pursuers made his eyes flash with rage.

He was gaining somewhat, and increasing the distance between them, but
not greatly; for so far the men, part of whom were those