"Dot vould preak dem up!"
"That's just my impression."
In a few moments the town was left behind and the horse-men galloped out into the open country over a rocky tract.
There the horses had an advantage over the Terror, as they could pick their way over the rough ground.
A fearful jolting and rattling of the stage ensued, and Jack was forced to slacken speed.
That gave the fugitives an advantage.
They quickly gained a long lead, for Jack had to zigzag the Terror in and out among the stones.
She kept falling farther and still further behind.
Some distance beyond the rocky place Jack caught view of a prairie covered with brush and long dry grass.
It renewed his hope, and he remarked confidentially: