At this offer of resistance , from all about him in the covert of the woods there went up the sound of laughter . A score of men , at least , for this was the very thickest of the ambush , joined in this cruel and untimely mirth . Then an arrow glanced over Selden 's shoulder ; and he leaped and ran a little back . Another dart struck quivering at his heel . He made for the cover . A third shaft leaped out right in his face , and fell short in front of him . And then the laughter was repeated loudly , rising and reechoing from different thickets . It was plain that his assailants were but baiting him , as men , in those days , baited the poor bull , or as the cat still trifles with the mouse . The skirmish was well over ; farther down the road , a fellow in green was already calmly gathering the arrows ; and now , in the evil pleasure of their hearts , they gave themselves the spectacle of their poor fellow-sinner in his torture . Selden began to understand ; he uttered a roar of anger , shouldered his cross-bow , and sent a quarrel at a venture into the wood . Chance favoured him , for a slight cry responded . Then , throwing down his weapon , Selden began to run before him up the glade , and almost in a straight line for Dick and Matcham . The companions of the Black Arrow now began to shoot in earnest . But they were properly served ; their chance had past ; most of them had now to shoot against the sun ; and Selden , as he ran , bounded from side to side to baffle and deceive their aim . Best of all , by turning up the glade he had defeated their preparations ; there were no marksmen posted higher up than the one whom he had just killed or wounded ; and the confusion of the foresters ' counsels soon became apparent . A whistle sounded thrice , and then again twice . It was repeated from another quarter . The woods on either side became full of the sound of people bursting through the underwood ; and a bewildered deer ran out into the open , stood for a second on three feet , with nose in air , and then plunged again into the thicket . Selden still ran , bounding ; ever and again an arrow followed him , but still would miss . It began to appear as if he might escape .
XXXXX had his bow armed , ready to support him ; even Matcham , forgetful of his interest , took sides at heart for the poor fugitive ; and both lads glowed and trembled in the ardour of their hearts .
Dick Matcham dart escape fellow-sinner glade marksmen right second third