Looking back for a moment as, after running for about a mile, they reached the crest of a swell; Oswald saw that five of their pursuers had distanced their comrades, but were no nearer than when they started.
"I think we can hold them, Roger. Take it a little more easily now. We are all right as far as speed goes. It is simply a question of bottom."
Their pursuers, however, still stuck to them and, after running for another half-mile, the five men were still but some thirty yards behind; while their comrades' shouts could be heard through the forests and, from time to time, the men close behind them joined in a loud quavering cry.
"We must stand and rid ourselves of these fellows, Roger; or we shall have half the Welsh nation down on us."
"So I have been thinking, for some time."
"Don't stop suddenly. We will slacken our pace, and they will think that our strength is failing, and will redouble their efforts. Then, when they are close to us, we will turn suddenly."
They heard a yell of exultation, as their pursuers found that they were gaining upon them.
"Choose a clear space, Roger, with room to swing our weapons."
The Welsh were running in a close body, but ten yards behind them, when they arrived at a spot clear of trees.
"Now, Roger!"