The only way out was through.

She lifted her riding-whip threateningly, and at the same moment drove in both spurs with her heels, rushing the startled horse straight at Gogoomy.

It all happened in an instant.

Every cane- knife was lifted, and every boy save Gogoomy leaped for her.

He swerved aside to avoid the horse, at the same time swinging his cane-knife in a slicing blow that would have cut her in twain.