She had barely time in which to leap backward out of their direct path, when one of the horsemen jerked his mount upon its haunches, and, uttering an oath of astonishment, leaned forward across his pommel, staring down into her startled face.

Then he laughed.
"Go on, boys," he cried, sitting erect, with a wave of his hand to the others.

"I 'll catch up within half a mile.

I 've got a word to say first to this precious dove fluttering here." He struck the flank of his horse, causing the sensitive beast to quiver, his own lips curling maliciously.

The girl, panting between parted lips, never lowered her eyes from his face, and the steady look angered him.
"Still hunting for Winston ?" he questioned, sneeringly.