Already they were at the barrier, and I ran forward recklessly, eager to escape into the open.
The way was clear, the floor rising slightly, yet without obstructions.
I could hear voices, the pounding of feet behind, and I made desperate effort to outdistance my pursuers.

That they were merciless I knew, and my only hope lay in attaining some hiding place in the weeds before they could emerge into the daylight.

I thought of nothing else.

But as I burst, straining and breathless into the open, hands gripped me from both sides.

An instant I struggled to break free, fighting with a mad ferocity, which nearly accomplished the purpose.