The police had evidently called in local talent to their aid, and the men I could see had the appearance of herds or gamekeepers.

They hallooed at the sight of me, and I waved my hand.
Two dived into the glen and began to climb my ridge, while the others kept their own side of the hill.

I felt as if I were taking part in a schoolboy game of hare and hounds.
But very soon it began to seem less of a game.

Those fellows behind were hefty men on their native heath.

Looking back I saw that only three were following direct, and I guessed that the others had fetched a circuit to cut me off.