The cracking of rifles began at a point on the bluff nearest Col.

Zane's house, and extended in a half circle to the eastern end of the clearing.

The leaden messengers of Death whistled past Betty.

They sped before her and behind her, scattering pebbles in her path, striking up the dust, and ploughing little furrows in the ground.

A quarter of the distance covered! Betty had passed the top of the knoll now and she was going down the gentle slope like the wind.