Then Harry decided suddenly upon his course.

He would put everything to the touch and win or lose in one wild dash.

Springing upon the back of his horse, he raked him with the spur and put him straight at the creek.

The startled animal was across in two jumps, and then Harry sent him racing across the fields.

He heard two or three shouts and several shots, but fortunately none touched him or his mount, and, not looking back, he continually urged the horse to greater speed.
Bending low he heard the distant sound of hoofbeats behind him, but they soon died away.