Then, apparently not liking the looks of what is before him, the horse gives utterance to his dislike with a loud snort, followed by a still louder neighing.
The intense interest excited by the confession of the accused is for the time eclipsed.
There is a universal impression that, in the spectral form thus opportunely presenting itself, will be found the explanation of all that has occurred.
Three-fourths of the spectators forsake the spot, and rush towards their horses. Even the jurymen are not exempt from taking part in the general débandade, and at least six out of the twelve go scattering off to join in the chase of the Headless Horseman.
The latter has paused only for an instant—just long enough to scan the crowd of men and horses now moving towards him. Then repeating his wild “whigher,” he wheels round, and goes off at full speed—followed by a thick clump of shouting pursuers!
Chapter Ninety One.
A Chase through a Thicket.
The chase leads straight across the prairie—towards the tract of chapparal, ten miles distant.