I wasn't altogether sure that he was my man, but I ran across the road and climbed the fence.

I had formed the plan instantly of cutting across the field and so striking the by-road farther up the hill.

I had a curious sense of amused exultation, the very spirit of the chase, and my mind dwelt with the liveliest excitement on what I should say or do if I really caught that jolly spark of impudence.
So I came by way of a thicket along an old stone fence to the by-road, and there, sure enough, only a little way ahead of me, was my man with the shaggy little dog close at his heels.

He was making pretty good time, but I skirted swiftly along the edge of the road until I had nearly overtaken him.

Then I slowed down to a walk and stepped out into the middle of the road.