"They will not gain on us across the mountains, but afterwards--" For the next league they spoke no more, who must keep their horses from falling as they toiled up the steep path.

At length they reached the crest, and there, on the very top of it, saw Wulf and Rosamund standing by Flame and Smoke.
"They rest," Godwin said, then he shouted, "Mount! mount! The foe is close." So they climbed to their saddles again, and, all four of them together began to descend the long slope that stretched to the plain two leagues beneath.

Far off across this plain ran a broad silver streak, beyond which from that height they could see the walls of a city.
"The Orontes!" cried Masouda.

"Cross that, and we are safe." But Godwin looked first at his horse, then at Masouda, and shook his head.
Well might he do so, for, stout-hearted as they were, the beasts were much distressed that had galloped so far without drawing rein.

Down the steep road they plunged, panting; indeed at times it was hard to keep them on their feet.
"They will reach the plain--no more," said Godwin, and Masouda nodded.
The descent was almost done, and not a mile behind them the white-robed Assassins streamed endlessly.