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Show 113 Too startled even to cry out, Josh jerked backward, nearly falling. Stumbling, taking a deep breath, the boy snaked through the small trees away from the car. Behind him he heard Bixby shout. But , ., i. . , door by thejtime he heard the Blazer/fly ooen he had put thick trees between him and the man. "Run, Cap!" he shouted as he fairly careened down the hill through the trees. "It's him-the mean one!" By the time Josh landed on the mule road, Cap had Chinook up and skidding down the rocky terrain at full speed. As he joined them in sprinting down the road, helping Chinook as he went, Josh chanced a glance back over his shoulder. He could see the dark form of Bixby charging through the trees after them. But he was limping badly-from the cave-in, Josh guessed. Perhaps they had a chance after all, Josh told himself. Due to his bad leg, they were leaving the man far behind. Nevertheless, Josh stooped as he ran. From what had happened yesterday, he knew that Bixby had no qualms about shooting. Another glance told him indeed Bixby had stopped atop a knoll where he had a clear view. "Duck," Josh called. "He's gonna shoot!" But the man did not shoot. Already the two fleeing boys were out of effective pistol range. Josh saw Bixby, after a minute's hesitation, go limping in a trot back toward the Blazer. "Hurry," Cap motioned him on. "If he gets that car goin', we're sunk.* Josh grinned as they sprinted on down the little road. After another two minutes, the sound of a small explosion came faintly from the direction of the car. |