Chapter 10 Part 2 A small misty rain was falling, and it

was impossible for the first half of the way to make sure whether I was followed or not.

But at the last half of my journey, when I supposed myself to be about two miles from the

church, I saw a man run by me in the rain, and then heard the gate of a field by the roadside

shut too sharply.

I kept straight on, with my cudgel ready in my hand, my ears on the alert, and my eyes

straining to see through the mist and the darkness.

Before I had advanced a hundred yards, there was a rustling in the hedge on my right, and

three men sprang out into the road.

I drew a side on the instant to the footpath.

The two foremost men were carried beyond me before they could check themselves.

The third was as quick as lightning.

He stopped, half turned, and struck at me with his stick.

The blow was aimed at hazard, and was not a severe one.

It fell on my left shoulder.

I returned it heavily on his head.

He staggered back, and jostled his two companions, just as they were both rushing at me.

The circumstance gave me a moment's start.

I slipped by them, and took to the middle of the road again at the top of my speed.

The two unhurted men pursued me.

They were both good runners.

The road was smooth and level, and for the first five minutes or more I was conscious that

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