Page 553 sur 2288

Vronsky passed Mahotin, but he was immediately aware of him close

upon him, and he never ceased hearing the even-thudding hoofs and

the rapid and still quite fresh breathing of Gladiator.

The next two obstacles, the water course and the barrier, were

easily crossed, but Vronsky began to hear the snorting and thud

of Gladiator closer upon him. He urged on his mare, and to his

delight felt that she easily quickened her pace, and the thud of

Gladiator's hoofs was again heard at the same distance away.