Page:Arthur Stringer - Gun Runner.djvu/348



fall seemed to shock him into new life. The very abruptness of his disaster brought with it a renewed appreciation of danger. His mind became alert again, with the peevish alertness of febrility, as though, like the long-taxed body, it were capable of coming into a sort of second-wind.

He realised what had happened, for he was thinking clearly and quickly now. He could see the whole thing, and see it only too well. De Brigard's men had had the forethought to break the one line of communication between Guariqui and the coast. This end had been achieved easily enough, by the mere uprooting of a few lengths of track. He had ridden into that open trap, without thought. He had demanded too much of Destiny. Luck had at last gone against him, as it must in the end go against every man who insists on taking his chances.

They were alone there, he and the girl he