He knew that the lone hound after his first recoil would follow, but he had his reloaded rifle and he had proved that he knew how to shoot.

It would please him for the hound to come within range.
When he took to renewed flight the hound again whined ferociously and Dick glanced back now and then seeking a shot.

Once he caught a glimpse of two or three dusky figures some distance behind the hound, urging him on, and his heart throbbed with increased rage.

If they presented an equal target he would fire at them rather than the hound.
He could run no longer, and his gait sank to a walk.

His very exhaustion brought him his opportunity, as the animal came rapidly within range, and Dick finished him with a single lucky shot.