s the very thickest of the ambush, joined in this cruel and
untimely mirth. Then an arrow glanced over Selden's shoulder; and he
leaped and ran a little back. Another dart struck quivering at his heel.
He made for the cover. A third shaft leaped out right in his face, and
fell short in front of him. And then the laughter was repeated loudly,
rising and reechoing from different thickets.

It was plain that his assailants were but baiting him, as men, in those
days, baited the poor bull, or as the cat still trifles with the mouse.
The skirmish was well over; farther down the road, a fellow in green was
already calmly gathering the arrows; and now, in the evil pleasure of
their hearts, they gave themselves the spectacle of their poor
fellow-sinner in his torture.

Selden began to understand; he uttered a roar of anger, shouldered his
cross-bow, and sent a quarrel at a venture into the wood. Chance
favoured him, for a slight cry responded. Then, throwing down his
weapon, Selden began to run before him up the glade, and almost in a
straight line for Dick and Matcham.

The companions of the Black Arrow now began to shoot in earnest. But
they were properly served; their chance had past; most of them had now to
shoot against the sun; and Selden, as he ran, bounded from side to side
to baffle and deceive their aim. Best of all, by turning up the glade he
had defeated their preparations; there were no marksmen posted higher up
than the one whom he had just killed or wounded; and the confusion of the
foresters' counsels soon became apparent. A whistle sounded thrice, and
then again twice. It was repeated from another quarter. The woods on
either side became full of the sound of people bursting through the
underwood; and a bewildered deer ran out into the open, stood for a
second on three feet, with nose in air, and then plunged again into the
thicket.

Selden still ran, bounding; ever and again an arrow followed him, but
still would miss. It began to appear as if he might escape. Dick had
his bow armed, ready to support him; even Matcham, forgetful of his
interest, took sides at heart for the poor fugitive; and both lads glowed
and trembled in the ardour of their hearts.

He was within fifty yards of them, when an arrow struck him and he fell.
He was up again, indeed, upon the instant; but now he ran staggering,
and, like a blind man, turned aside from his direction.

Dick leaped to his feet and waved to him.