at time the horses were well laden, and most of the men
had a keg or two to carry beside. Then Elzevir, who was in command, gave
the word, and we began to file away from the beach up to the under-cliff.
Now, what with the cargo being heavy, we were longer than usual in
getting away; and though there was no sign of sunrise, yet the night was
greyer, and not so blue as it had been.

We reached the under-cliff, and were moving across it to address
ourselves to the bridle-path, and so wind sideways up the steep; when I
saw something moving behind one of the plumbs of brambles with which the
place is beset. It was only a glimpse of motion that I had perceived, and
could not say whether 'twas man or animal, or even frightened bird behind
the bushes. But others had seen it as well; there was some shouting, half
a dozen flung down their kegs and started in pursuit.

All eyes were turned to the bridle-path, and in a twinkling hunters and
hunted were in view. The greyhounds were Damen and Garrett, with some
others, and the hare was an older man, who leapt and bounded forward,
faster than I should have thought any but a youth could run; but then he
knew what men were after him, and that 'twas a race for life. For though
it was but a moment before all were lost in the night, yet this was long
enough to show me that the man was none other than Maskew, and I knew
that his life was not worth ten minutes' purchase.

Now I hated this man, and had myself suffered something at his hand,
besides seeing him put much grievous suffering on others; but I wished
then with all my heart he might escape, and had a horrible dread of what
was to come. Yet I knew all the time escape was impossible; for though
Maskew ran desperately, the way was steep and stony, and he had behind
him some of the fleetest feet along that coast. We had all stopped with
one accord, as not wishing to move a step forward till we had seen the
issue of the chase; and I was near enough to look into Elzevir's face,
but saw there neither passion nor bloodthirstiness, but only a calm
resolve, as if he had to deal with something well expected.

We had not long to wait, for very soon we heard a rolling of stones and
trampling of feet coming down the path, and from the darkness issued a
group of men, having Maskew in the middle of them. They were hustling him
along fast, two having hold of him by the arms, and a third by the neck
of his shirt behind. The sight gave me a sick qual