ion.

It seemed to us their desire was, by doubling on their track, to regain
once more the ridge on which we had first discovered them. Whereupon,
smelling mischief, I called to my men, and, turning after them, gave
chase.

'Twas a fool's errand! For, whatever their purpose had been, they
abandoned it, and half-an-hour later we spied them striking westward
once more, as in haste to overtake their fellows. So near upon them
were we by this time, that not only could we count their number, which
was seven, but could spy the feather on their leader's hat, by which I
knew for certain that this was indeed the man I sought. For an hour and
more we followed close on his heels, sighting him now, missing him now,
and neither nearer nor further for all our riding.

At last, towards afternoon, when, after swimming a strong river and
skirting a town, we already stood, as our guide told us, in Tyrone's
country, we could see the party suddenly halt and hold a hurried parley.
The result was that while the leader rode on, his six men stood, and,
spreading themselves across the road, waited for us. 'Twas a spot not
ill chosen for standing at bay. For, on either side of the steep track,
the land fell away in desolate bog, on which we scarce dare venture; so
that there was nought to do but either fall back ourselves or come face
to face with those who stood in the way.

"Men," said I, "for me there is but one goal, and that is yonder flying
villain. I keep my sword for him. Look you well to the others. They
must not hinder me."

And before the lurkers had time to prepare for our coming, we charged in
upon them full tilt, and I, slashing right and left, cut my way to the
far side, while those who followed me held them there in hand-to-hand
fight.

How that battle betwixt Englishmen and Englishmen sped I know not, for
before it was at an end I was a mile on the road, with my prey little
farther beyond. Yet, to my woe, I perceived him to be better mounted
than I, and better acquainted with the roads. So that every hour the
distance betwixt us widened, till at last, when night fell, I could see
him disappear, with a defiant wave of his hand, over a hill well-nigh a
league ahead.

I know not how my wearied horse ever carried me that night; but when at
sunrise I staggered into the yard of a wayside farm, he sunk dead-beat
beneath me. Therefore my vaunted boast not to quit my saddle till I had
met my man went the way of othe