I looked back once before we passed the gate, and I
saw the light streaming out through the door which. I had left
open; and I fancied that for an instant a figure darkened the
gap. But the fancy only strengthened the one single purpose, the
iron resolve, which had taken possession of me and all my
thoughts. I must be first; I must anticipate the Lieutenant; I
must make the arrest myself. I must be first. And I ran on only
the faster.
We were across the meadow and in the wood in a moment. There,
instead of keeping along the common path, I boldly singled out--
my senses seemed to be preternaturally keen--the smaller trail by
which Clon had brought us. Along this I ran unfalteringly,
avoiding logs and pitfalls as by instinct, and following all its
turns and twists, until we came to the back of the inn, and could
hear the murmur of subdued voices in the village street, the
sharp low word of command, and the clink of weapons; and could
see over and between the houses the dull glare of lanthorns and
torches.
I grasped my man's arm, and crouched down listening. When I had
heard enough, 'Where is your mate?' I said in his ear.
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