The man could run.

Heavy in build though he was he was not six yards behind me, and I could see the white of his eyes and the red of his gums.

I saw something else--a glint of white metal in his hand.

He still had his knife.
Fear sent me up the rocks like a seagull, and I scrambled and leaped, making for the corner I knew of.

Something told me that the pursuit was slackening, and for a moment I halted to look round.