Grace hit him again, the force of her second blow knocking him over.
Before the man could regain his feet the three girls were off through the wood.

They ran without looking back until fairly out in the open field.
"I don't see him," panted Grace, halting to get her breath.

"I guess he's gone." Anne was pale and trembling.

The run out of the woods had been almost too much for her.

As for Miriam, she was sobbing quite hysterically.
"Don't cry, Miriam," soothed Grace, putting her arm around the frightened girl.