beyond the spot where the half-breed was stationed, and before him was
nothing to jeopardize safety; it only remained to distance the white man.

Two miles were traversed in a remarkably short space of time, and then he
was on that portion of the road which ran in a straight line through a
sort of clearing. That it was possible for his pursuer to see him during a
certain time was shown, as a bullet whistled within an inch of the
fugitive's head.

"That makes two shots, my friend," he said, as if to keep up his courage.
" Unless I am mistaken, you had only a couple of pistols, and by the time
they are reloaded I shall be screened by the bushes again."

That his calculations were not correct was shown as a second ball passed
uncomfortably close, and a third tore through his coat-sleeve, causing the
warm blood to gush down over his hand.

"Only a scratch, nothing more!" he shouted, and then he was among the
friendly shelter of the trees again.

The horse upon which Haines rode could not hold the pace, and when half an
hour had elapsed no sound of pursuit was heard.

It was time Walter gave the captured animal a breathing spell, if he hoped
to reach Salem as he had calculated, and he brought him to a standstill
while he pulled off his coat to examine the wound on his arm.

It was rather deeper than a scratch, but yet nothing more serious than to
cause a goodly show of blood, and Walter put on his coat again without a
thought that any bandaging might be necessary.