His coach was without any sign of a horse near it, hers with all four
hamstrung; their white leather harness, with its gold and silver bosses,
horridly stained with the blood they had spattered all over them as they
lay struggling and trying to kick. Both carriages were empty, their
cushions and mattresses and other contents scattered about on the roadway.
The sun was near setting. Our sergeants, blown as their men and as I,
paused and mopped their faces. We scanned the outlook. Far away well up
the mountain side we caught sight of a group of burly men, and among them
a slender figure clad in a garb of pale lavender hue with the sheen of
silk. Below and close a similar group among which were two figures
conspicuous for crimson cloaks or the like. Far below and much nearer us
we glimpsed the pursuing horsemen.
Off we set, and our fresh excitement seemed to put fresh vigor into all of
us. We ran a full mile straight across pastures and wooded hills towards
the point where I had glimpsed Vedia.
The sun set.
The constables ran on, panting, but by no means failing.
I gave out.
The hopelessness of such pursuit took all the heart out of me.
I stopped.
I could not hope to keep up with the excited police.
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