CHAPTER VI--TO THE DAY'S END

It was, indeed, high time for them to run. On every side the company of

the Black Arrow was making for the hill. Some, being better runners, or

having open ground to run upon, had far outstripped the others, and were

already close upon the goal; some, following valleys, had spread out to

right and left, and outflanked the lads on either side.

Dick plunged into the nearest cover. It was a tall grove of oaks, firm

under foot and clear of underbrush, and as it lay down hill, they made

good speed. There followed next a piece of open, which Dick avoided,

holding to his left. Two minutes after, and the same obstacle arising,

the lads followed the same course. Thus it followed that, while the

lads, bending continually to the left, drew nearer and nearer to the high

road and the river which they had crossed an hour or two before, the

great bulk of their pursuers were leaning to the other hand, and running

towards Tunstall.

The lads paused to breathe. There was no sound of pursuit. Dick put his

ear to the ground, and still there was nothing; but the wind, to be sure,

still made a turmoil in the trees, and it was hard to make certain.

On again," said Dick; and, tired as they were, and Matcham limping with

his injured foot, they pulled themselves together, and once more pelted

down the hill.

The Black Arrow