His intention was to overtake her, and reveal himself as a friend; but run as he would he could see nothing of her.

Thus he flew across the open country about Holworth, twisting his legs and ankles in unexpected fissures and descents, till, on coming to the gate between the downs and the road, he was forced to pause to get breath.

There was no audible movement either in front or behind him, and he now concluded that she had not outrun him, but that, hearing him at her heels, and believing him one of the excise party, she had hidden herself somewhere on the way, and let him pass by.
He went on at a more leisurely pace towards the village.

On reaching the house he found his surmise to be correct, for the gate was on the latch, and the door unfastened, just as he had left them.

Stockdale closed the door behind him, and waited silently in the passage.