In an instant her nerves strung tight. A group of men were standing
just within its shadow, and the three horsemen, who had been riding
round the cattle, were racing directly toward the foot of the pathway
leading out of the valley. She must have been seen when she had stood
at the opening. And now----
But there was not a second to lose. She sprang to a crouching position
under the bush. Another shot rang viciously upon the still air. The
bullet tore its way through the bush. This time it was still wider of
her hiding place. But already she had begun her retreat--swiftly, and
crouching low.
She reached the shelter of the barrier just as another bullet whistled
overhead. Then she set off at a run.
And as she ran she calculated the chances. She had a big start, and
the horsemen had to face the zigzag climb. If she made no mistakes
there was little chance of their discovering her. They could never
make that climb before she reached her pony.
She increased her pace. Her nerves were steadying. Strangely her
control was wonderful.
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