The ardor of his pursuit and its unexpected difficulty excited his anger.

He lost sight of the fact that Pomp was under no obligation to comply with his demand.

But this is generally the way with tyrants, who are seldom careful to keep within the bounds of justice and reason.
"Just let me catch you, you little rascal, and I will give you the worst licking you ever had," John exclaimed, with passion.
"Wait till you catch me," returned Pomp, slipping, eel-like, from his grasp.
But Pomp, in dodging, had now come to an open space, where he was at a disadvantage.

John was close upon him, when suddenly he stood stock-still, bending his back so as to obtain a firm footing.

The consequence was that his too ardent pursuer tumbled over him, and stretched his length upon the ground.
Unfortunately for Pomp, John grasped his leg in falling, and held it by so firm a grip that he was unable to get free.