Xavier also sprang to his feet, cursing with fury and drawing his sabre as he rose.
"Follow me," said Leonard to Juanna and Otter.

Then without more ado he took to his heels.
A shout of laughter went up from the mob.
"This is the brave man.

This is the French fire-eater," they cried.

"He strikes unawares and is afraid to fight." Nor did they stop at words.
All of them were jealous of the stranger, and would have rejoiced to see him dead.
"Stop him!" they shouted, and many of the men started, running like dogs to turn a hare.
Still Leonard might have won through, for he was swift of foot.

But neither Juanna nor Otter could run so fast as he, and his pace must be their pace.