Moreover, his speed increased.

He had not realized that the garden went to the very edge of the ravine, and he was shooting down a steep slope to the depth of thirty feet.

He grasped instinctively at weeds and grass as he made his downward plunge and fetched up easily at the bottom.
He sprang to his feet and saw the shadowy fugitive running down the ravine.

In an instant he followed headlong, tripped once or twice on the wet grass, but was up every time like lightning, and once more in swift pursuit.

The fugitive turned once, raised his pistol and pulled the trigger again, evidently forgetful that it was empty.