They determined to stand and meet this rash pursuer.

Trenchard calmly opined that if necessary they must shoot him; he was, I fear, a bloody-minded fellow at bottom, although, it is true he justified himself now by pointing out that this was no time to hesitate at trifles.

Partly because they talked and partly because the gradient was steep and their horses needed breathing, they slackened rein, and the horseman behind them came tearing through the water of the ford and lessened the distance considerably in the next few minutes.
He bethought him of using his lungs once more.

"Hi, Wilding! Hold, damn you!" "He curses you in a most intimate manner," quoth Trenchard.
Wilding reined in and turned in the saddle.

"His voice has a familiar sound," said he.