There was no doubt of it; the horses lagged.

In this hurried flight the most trifling hindrance was a monumental danger, and this was no trifling hindrance.

For the hue and cry was most certainly raised behind them; the pursuit from Innspruck had begun twelve hours since, on the most favourable reckoning.

At any moment they might hear the jingle of a horse's harness on the road behind.

And now here was a man with a great retinue blocking their way in front.
"We can do no more, but make a fight of it in the end," said he.