That shot might miss him, but at all events the lurking enemy would find out that his pursuer was an unarmed man, and that there was no danger in attacking him openly.

Then the situation would become desperate.
Still, as the old man had always kept to the right of the trail, it was possible that the enemy had not so far noticed him.

But somewhere in the neighbourhood of the suspicious object that enemy must be hidden; of that he felt sure.

It was a very serious moment, for any awkward movement or the least noise might bring about his destruction.

Under such circumstances many a one sends a short prayer to Heaven for assistance in his hour of need.