His antagonist recklessly pursued.
The motive of Gilbert's retreat soon became evident.

Henry's foot slipped on the long grass, slimy from the recent rain, and he fell at full length upon the ground.

Before he could rise, Gilbert had mounted the far fleeter steed of his opponent.
"Return, coward! and see if chance will save you again!" shouted Henry, as he gained his feet.
"Your sister has saved you once, and she shall save you again!" answered Gilbert; and, without regarding the denunciations of the knight of Stramen, he called to Humbert, and resuming the road to Hers, was soon out of hearing of Henry's threats..