We had reached some rocks upon a little rise, just where the bank began, when Leo said suddenly--"No use, we can't make it.
Stop and let's see the thing through." So we wheeled round, resting our backs against the rock.

There, about a hundred yards off, were the death-hounds, but Heaven be praised! _only three of them_.

The rest had followed the flying horses, and doubtless when they caught them at last, which may have been far distant, had stopped to gorge themselves upon them.

So they were out of the fight.
Only three, and the Khan, a wild figure, who galloped with them; but those three, the black and red brute, Master, and two others almost as fierce and big.
"It might be worse," said Leo.

"If you will try to tackle the dogs, I'll do my best with the Khan," and stooping down he rubbed his palms in the grit, for they were wet as water, an example which I followed.