Вершник без голови

Chapter 96

           Fromthecommotionobservableunderthetree,andtheshoutingthataccompaniesit,hehasbecomecognisantofthatterriblesignal—the"hueandcry."

           Concealmentisnolongerpossible;and,changingfromthestealthypacetoaquickearnestrun,heboundsupontheanimal’sback.

           Givingawildglancebackward,heheadsittowardstheprairie—goingoffatagallop.

           Fiftyhorsesaresoonlaidalonghistrack—theirridersrousedtothewildestexcitementbysomewordspronouncedattheirparting.

           "Bringhimback—deadoralive!"wasthesolemnphrase,—supposedtohavebeenspokenbythemajor.

           Nomatterbywhom.Itneedsnotthestampofofficialwarranttostimulatethepursuers.Theirhorrorofthefouldeedissufficientforthis—coupledwiththehighrespectinwhichthevictimofithadbeenheld.

           Eachmanspursonward,asifridingtoavengethedeathofarelative—abrother;asifeachwashimselfeagertobecomeaninstrumentintheexecutionofjustice!

           Neverbeforehastheex-captainofcavalrybeeninsuchdangerofhislife;notwhilechargingovertheredbattle-fieldofBuenaVista;notwhilestretcheduponthesandedfloorofOberdoffer’sbar-room,withthemuzzleofthemustanger’spistolpointedathishead!

           Heknowsasmuch;and,knowingit,spursonatafearfulpace—atintervalscastingbehindaglance,quick,furtive,andfierce.

           Itisnotalookofdespair.

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