His danger had returned with twofold force, because the hounds would unerringly lead his pursuers through the forest as fast as they could follow.
He did not yet despair.

A new resolution was drawn from the depths of his courage.

He did not forget that he was a good marksman and he had both rifle and pistols.

He tried to calculate from that whining, ferocious note how many hounds were pursuing, and he believed they were not many.

Now he prepared for battle, and, as he ran, he kept his eye on the ground in order that he might choose his own field.
He saw it presently, a mass of fallen timber thrown together by a great storm, and he took his place on the highest log, out of reach of a leaping hound.