The leader was perhaps a quarter of a mile back, and the others strung out behind him.

Duane needed only one glance to tell him that they were fast and hard-riding cowboys in a land where all riders were good.

They would not have owned any but strong, swift horses.

Moreover, it was a district where ranchers had suffered beyond all endurance the greed and brutality of outlaws.
Duane had simply been so unfortunate as to run right into a lynching party at a time of all times when any stranger would be in danger and any outlaw put to his limit to escape with his life.
Duane did not look back again till he had crossed the ridgy piece of ground and had gotten to the level road.

He had gained upon his pursuers.