Delay would only add to their danger; and with this thought urging them on, they wheeled their horses to the left, and headed along the line of the bluff.

Six seconds after they were riding in a pure atmosphere, under clear dazzling sunlight.
But it gave them no delight.

A yell from the savages told them they were seen, and simultaneously with the shout, they perceived a score of horsemen spurring from the crowd, and riding at full speed towards them.
They were both splendidly mounted, and might still have had a fair chance of escape; but now another sight met their eyes that once more almost drove them to despair.
A promontory of the cliff, stretching far out over the sandy plain, lay directly in their track.

Its point was nearer to the pursuers than to them.

Before they could reach, and turn it, their retreat would be intercepted.
Was there still a chance to escape in the opposite direction?
Again suddenly turning, they galloped back as they had come; again entered the belt of smoke; and, riding on through it, reached the clear sunlight beyond.
Again a torturing disappointment.