Rupert smiled again, and waved his hand to me.
"I should like a turn with you, but it's a little too hot!"said he, and he disappeared from above me.
In an instant, without thinking of danger, I laid my hand to the rope.
I was up.I saw him thirty yards off, running like a deer towards the shelter of the forest.For once Rupert Hentzau had chosen discretion for his part.I laid my feet to the ground and rushed after him, calling to him to stand.He would not.Unwounded and vigorous, he gained on me at every step; but, forgetting everything in the world except him and my thirst for his blood, I pressed on, and soon the deep shades of the forest of Zenda engulfed us both, pursued and pursuer.
It was three o'clock now, and day was dawning.I was on a long straight grass avenue, and a hundred yards ahead ran young Rupert, his curls waving in the fresh breeze.
I was weary and panting; he looked over his shoulder and waved his hand again to me.He was mocking me, for he saw he had the pace of me.I was forced to pause for breath.A moment later, Rupert turned sharply to the right and was lost from my sight.
I thought all was over, and in deep vexation sank on the ground.
But I was up again directly, for a scream rang through the forest--a woman's scream.Putting forth the last of my strength, I ran on to the place where he had turned out of my sight, and, turning also, I saw him again.But alas! I could not touch him.
He was in the act of lifting a girl down from her horse;doubtless it was her scream that I heard.She looked like a small farmer's or a peasant's daughter, and she carried a basket on her arm.Probably she was on her way to the early market at Zenda.Her horse was a stout, well shaped animal.
Master Rupert lifted her down amid her shrieks--the sight of him frightened her; but he treated her gently, laughed, kissed her, and gave her money.Then he jumped on the horse, sitting sideways like a woman; and then he waited for me.I, on my part, waited for him.
Presently he rode towards me, keeping his distance, however.