Straining every muscle, he soon came near the fence, and at the same moment he heard the pursuers close behind him. He had no time to climb the fence, and gathered himself for a spring.
When he reached it, he placed his hand on the top rail, and made a tremendous leap. He would have cleared it all right, but the rail gave way under him, and he fell headlong into the grass on the roadside.
He sprang up, but it was too late. A heavy hand was laid on his collar, and he was jerked violently around.
“Now I’ve got you,” said a rough voice. “I’ve a good mind to break your head.”
“Let me go!” panted Paul.
“I’ll let you go, confound you,” roared his captor, shaking him savagely. “Who are you?”
“None of your business,” said Paul fearlessly. “If you don’t let me go, it’ll be worse for you.”
“Careful with that tongue of yours. Just come along back here.”
With a quick move the youth struck the man a stinging blow in the face. The ruffian uttered a howl, and put up his hand. Paul broke loose, and dashed away.
“Stop him, Dick,” cried the fellow he had hit. “Shoot him down; don’t let him escape.”