Brown would not have gained at all, but for the fact that the horse, from long habit, kept to the roadway and never tried short cuts.

His pursuer did, and, therefore, just as Joshua entered the grove on the bluff above Pounddug Slough, Brown caught up with him and made a grab at the end of the trailing halter.

He missed it, and the horse took a fresh start.
The road through the grove was overgrown with young trees and bushes, and amid these the animal had a distinct advantage.

Not until the outer edge of the grove was reached did the panting assistant get another opportunity at the rope.

This time he seized it and held on.
"Whoa!" he shouted.