They were half a mile away, and swinging obliquely across the flat, which fact proved that they had entertained a fair idea of the country and the fugitive's difficulty.
Without an instant's hesitation Duane put his horse to his best efforts, straight ahead.

He had to pass those men.

When this was seemingly made impossible by a deep wash from which he had to turn, Duane began to feel cold and sick.

Was this the end?
Always there had to be an end to an outlaw's career.

He wanted then to ride straight at these pursuers.