Away we went, and for a second or two I was afraid Barron would be run through the back, but the pace proved a trifle too strong for our enemy.
Seeing this, the rascal made a vicious cut at Barron's mount and almost hamstrung him, and then he dropped back while the poor animal hobbled ahead desperately for several minutes, and finally brought up dead lame.
"That man will certainly prove he is equal to both of us," said Barron, "and put at variance all laws of heredity, if we don't do something to stop him."
"It's a pity I didn't shoot him, for that was my last shot," I said. "Here he comes, and unless you can hold him in check until I get a charge into this pistol, we will indeed see Dunmore or the devil to-night."
As I spoke the figure of the Corporal showed through the gathering darkness, coming along the edge of the road at a smart walk with his long sword in front of him.
"You ride on ahead and let me settle with him," said Barron, quietly.
"It is uncommon shameful to have to run from this vermin," I said, "but I had him at my mercy once and let him go."
"So had he you, my boy," laughed Barron.
It did seem hard to have to get away from this creature, the acknowledged offspring of a prostitute, but it was apparently certain death to face him. I strove to get a charge into one of my pistols, but by the time I had the powder in the barrel he was up with us. He saw what I was about and instantly started for me. And then, yes, I shall have to confess it, then I put spurs to my mount and went down that dark road as though thirty devils were at my heels. The corporal's long sword could not reach me, so he soon gave up the chase and turned his attention to Barron.
In another minute my pistol was loaded and I was riding back again as fast as I could.