The rest were a considerable distance in the rear.
"Another mile or two, and they will all give up the chase except these four, Surajah, and if they turn out better runners than we do, we can make a stand.

There are some more huts another two miles farther, and we will fight them there." They were going slower now, for although the downward course of the road helped them a good deal, the run was telling on them.

Not a word was spoken, until they reached the second village.

When they came to the first house, they stopped simultaneously, and looked round.

Their pursuers were not more than two hundred yards behind them.
"In here, Surajah," Dick said, as he ran into the ruined hut.
Its roof was gone, its door hung loose on its hinges.