But I shall not speak more of this; for, after all, one
landing is very like another, and kegs come ashore in much the same way,
whether they are to pay excise or not.
It must have been three o'clock before the lugger's boats were off again
to sea, and by that time the horses were well laden, and most of the men
had a keg or two to carry beside. Then Elzevir, who was in command, gave
the word, and we began to file away from the beach up to the under-cliff.
Now, what with the cargo being heavy, we were longer than usual in
getting away; and though there was no sign of sunrise, yet the night was
greyer, and not so blue as it had been.
We reached the under-cliff, and were moving across it to address
ourselves to the bridle-path, and so wind sideways up the steep; when I
saw something moving behind one of the plumbs of brambles with which the
place is beset. It was only a glimpse of motion that I had perceived, and
could not say whether 'twas man or animal, or even frightened bird behind
the bushes. But others had seen it as well; there was some shouting, half
a dozen flung down their kegs and started in pursuit.
All eyes were turned to the bridle-path, and in a twinkling hunters and
hunted were in view. The greyhounds were Damen and Garrett, with some
others, and the hare was an older man, who leapt and bounded forward,
faster than I should have thought any but a youth could run; but then he
knew what men were after him, and that 'twas a race for life.
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