The pursuers, though well mounted, were speedily distanced, but followed at a pace that in the end was certain to overtake the carriage.

As for myself, I rode on beside the road at the full speed of my horse, shouting, cursing, imploring, execrating, and beseeching at turns, but all in vain; the yells and shouts of the pursuers and pursued drowned all other sounds, except when the thundering crash of the horses' feet rose above all.

The road, like most western Irish roads until the present century, lay straight as an arrow for miles, regardless of every opposing barrier, and in the instance in question, crossed a mountain at its very highest point.

Towards this pinnacle the pace had been tremendous; but owing to the higher breeding of the cattle, the carriage party had still the advance, and when they reached the top they proclaimed the victory by a cheer of triumph and derision.

The carriage disappeared beneath the crest of the mountain, and the pursuers halted as if disposed to relinquish the chase.
"Come on, boys; never give up," cried I, springing over into the road, and heading the party to which by every right I was opposed.
It was no time for deliberation, and they followed me with a hearty cheer that convinced me I was unknown.