On, on plunged the pursued, until many a mile had been passed; still they halted not. The voices and answering shouts of the savages could be heard upon every side, and they had yet by no means reached a place of safety. Now some limb brushed in Leland's face, or he stumbled over some fallen tree, and then, without a murmur, arose and pursued his way. On, on they hurried, until the dispersing darkness told them that the day was not far distant.
"I can travel no further," said Leland, sinking to the earth.
"Give out?" queried Kent.
"I believe I have. This is a terrible chase; but the prospect of a recapture and death cannot goad me further, until I have rested."
"Wal, no mistake we have tramped some; but Lord save you, this is just fun for me."
"Do you not think that they will abandon pursuit?"
"No danger of that. As soon as 'tis light they'll pounce upon our trail, and foller it until it's lost or we are cotched."
"Which must not be."
"Wal, p'raps if they get their claws on you you wouldn't feel very comfortable."
But they had passed through the most trying ordeals, and had now only to make their way as best they could. Kent had some idea of the nature of the ground, and they progressed with greater ease and rapidity, after a short rest.