Could it be a wild beast?
No, it must be a horse and rider.

A moment later there came a puff of smoke as from a rifle discharged, followed by the distant echo of the discharge.

It was a man, and he was yet a great way off.

Should she turn and flee before she was discovered?
But where?
Should she go back?
No, a thousand times, no! Her enemy was there.

This could not be the one from whom she fled.