But Jack eluded their grasp.

A large dog was then set at him by a stable-boy; but, striking the animal with his faithful iron-bar, he speedily sent him yelping back.

The two hostlers, however, kept close at his heels; and Jack, whose strength began to flag, feared he could not hold much longer.

Determined, however, not be taken with life, he held on.
Still keeping ahead of his pursuers, he ran along the direct road, till the houses disappeared and he got into the open country.

Here he was preparing to leap over the hedge into the fields on the left, when he was intercepted by two horsemen, who, hearing the shouts, rode up and struck at him with the butt-ends of their heavy riding-whips.