"Orsu! To horse, knaves!" No second bidding did they need.

In the twinkling of an eye they were in the saddle, and one of them had caught the bridle of the leading mule of the litter.

Giacopo called to me to lead the way with him, with no more ceremony than if I had been one of themselves.

But I made no ado.

A chase is an interesting business, whatever your point of view, and if a greater safety lies with the hunter, there is a keener excitement with the hunted.
Down that steep and slippery hillside we blundered, making for Cagli at a pace in which there lay a myriad-fold more danger than could menace us from any party of pursuers.