I instantly concluded that Kua-ko had been awake all the time watching my movements, and that he was now following me.

I now put forth my whole speed, and while thus running could distinguish no sound.

That he would miss me, for it was very dark, although with a starry sky above, was my only hope; for with no weapon except my knife my chances would be small indeed should he overtake me.

Besides, he had no doubt roused the others before starting, and they would be close behind.

There were no bushes in that place to hide myself in and let them pass me; and presently, to make matters worse, the character of the soil changed, and I was running over level clayey ground, so white with a salt efflorescence that a dark object moving on it would show conspicuously at a distance.