I slackened pace a little.
"We are gaining on him, every step tells," said I encouragingly, but it was clear that my companion would soon drop.
We went on in silence for nearly half an hour and gained visibly on Miste, who never looked back or paused.

At the end of the time we were within a mile of him, and only spoke in whispers, for at such an altitude sound travels far.

Every moment that Miste was ignorant of the pursuit was invaluable to us.

I could see clearly now that it was he and no other; the man's back was familiar to me, and his lithe springy gait.
"Have you a revolver ?" whispered Giraud as we stumbled on.
"Not I." "Then take mine, I cannot--last--much longer." Supposing that Miste should be in better training than myself! Supposing that when he turned and saw us he should be able to increase his pace materially, he would yet escape me! I stretched out my hand and took the revolver, which was of a familiar pattern.

I made up my mind to shoot Miste sooner than lose him, for the chase had been a long one, and my blood was hot.
We were gaining on him still, and the heat of the day made him slacken his pace.