Already his mask and wig had fallen off.

The moonlight struck full upon his face and the fine proportions of his figure.
He saw that there were half a dozen men spurring onwards in pursuit; but he was full of that fury which gives to men an almost superhuman strength.
Leaping upon the back of the pack horse, he spurred the maddened and terrified animal to the wildest gallop, a gallop which he could never keep up, but which for the time being distanced all pursuit.
Then when he had winded his own beast, and knew that the pursuing horses must themselves be pretty well blown, he slipped from its back and began running like a hare across country in the direction taken by Lord Claud, knowing that however cleverly he might conceal himself, he would not be far away, and that he would keep an eye upon Tom's line of flight, and come up with him as soon as it was safe to do so.
The sounds of pursuit died away.

Tom looked back, and found himself alone in the fields and copses.

His quick turnings and doublings, and the choice of ground difficult for horses, had served his purpose well.

He was safe, and he had his prize with him.