"
Now he understood that if he hoped to escape he must return to the path,
where the horse would have an Opportunity to show his speed, and he
wheeled him suddenly around, regardless of the risk of coming directly
upon Haines.
Fortunately his pursuer was not as near as he had fancied, and soon he was
riding at the best possible pace over the narrow path. He had emerged
beyond the spot where the half-breed was stationed, and before him was
nothing to jeopardize safety; it only remained to distance the white man.
Two miles were traversed in a remarkably short space of time, and then he
was on that portion of the road which ran in a straight line through a
sort of clearing. That it was possible for his pursuer to see him during a
certain time was shown, as a bullet whistled within an inch of the
fugitive's head.
"That makes two shots, my friend," he said, as if to keep up his courage.
" Unless I am mistaken, you had only a couple of pistols, and by the time
they are reloaded I shall be screened by the bushes again."
That his calculations were not correct was shown as a second ball passed
uncomfortably close, and a third tore through his coat-sleeve, causing the
warm blood to gush down over his hand.
"Only a scratch, nothing more!" he shouted, and then he was among the
friendly shelter of the trees again.
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