The squirrel dropped dead close by my side.

I saw that any further attempt at concealment would be in vain, and sprang upon my feet.

The man started forward on seeing me, struck at me with his gun and beat my hat off.

I leaped into the road; and he followed after, swearing he would shoot me if I didn't stop.

Knowing that his gun was not loaded, I paid no attention to him, but ran across the road into a cotton field where there was a great gang of slaves working.