Here are the responses to the June 8, 2003 Challenge.
Let's try having one or more of the guys running. They can be exercising or chasing someone or being chased. Whatever tickles your fancy.
Universe: ATF
He looked to the right, then to the left. Third and ten, three giant men on him. He shuffled to the side, ball tightly tucked underneath his right arm, left arm out in the Heisman position and pushed his way through.... up and over.... now for the breakaway.. running and running and....
"It's Good! Whoo!"
Nathan threw his hands in the air, shook his booty and began to do an impressive victory dance, similar to the football player from Jerry McGuire.
"Um Nathan?"
Nathan looked up to see the rest of his ATF teammates standing in the doorway of the office all of them grinning widely. Nathan began to flush and dropped the football onto the floor. "I was um..."
"Playing some football?"
Universe: ATF
Vin took one look at Chris' face and began to slowly back away.
"Tanner if I were you, I would run." Chris said low and lethal.
"Better take that advice boy." Buck offered from where he stood leaning against his desk watching the whole thing. "Not even you can get away with hiring a blimp to circle the office, calling Chris a cowboy."
JD was trying to patiently wait for Mr. Gebeau. Winter was an awesome thing in the Northwest, but he was waiting for a show at the end of winter. Buck had come in this morning and told him that it was going to happen. The ice was going to break up. Apparently the best place to view this was from Odd Hill, half a mile away. He shifted his weight and heard a chuckle.
"You may go Mr. Dunne, I will see to our customer." With a grin at his boss, Mr. Ezra, JD left the store and ran.
Nathan glanced at the sun to judge it's position. Ten minutes after he had last checked. Every time he started to seriously work on his herb garden, something happened. So far, he had actually gotten in an hours work and it was making him jumpy. Sure enough, here came the old man that helped at the mission.
"I am looking for a Mr. Jackson."
"That'd be me."
"James Fold¹s leg was caught in a bear trap, I was sent to find you and assist as needed. Name's Josiah."
"Grab those bundles and follow me!" he said while grabbing his bag.
Chris settled into a nice rhythm. The last trapping run of the season. Wilderness around him as he kept pace with the team. There was a beaver in the last trap, he skinned it and offered part of the body back to Nature. The pack secure, he set off for his cabin. They would be back home tonight and that gave them all a little extra speed.
Vin was trying not to jostle the puppies. Last year, none of his bitches had bothered to have puppies and this year three of them had. He had a whole new second string to train and twelve pups beside. Maybe he'd be able to sell them at the store today. Most of the trappers would be coming in, to balance their trading against their bills and hopefully have enough left over to sell down river. Problem was, he wanted to do his own shopping before the others got there. He'd heard that there was new help at the store, it'd be great if this one didn't mind getting up at a decent hour.
Disclaimer: Not mine (mostly KT's, actually...)
Note: My first go at a Challenge... inspired by KT (who else?
Universe: RNLI
The heavy thwack was followed by gasps, then a chorus of shouts.
"Run, Buck, run!"
Ezra jumped from his seat, almost spilling the glass of champagne he held.
Chris's eyes were suddenly wide, willing Buck to make it safely across what now looked to be an impossible distance.
Sunlight spilled from a blue sky, bathing the scene in a deceptively peaceful light.
Rain closed her eyes and clutched Nathan's hand. Josiah looked upward into the blue with what he hoped was a threatening glance. JD groaned.
"I'm confused," Vin said, shaking his head.
Ezra sat down. "Okay Vin, I'll explain again... the rules of cricket..."
Disclaimer: Not mine (sigh)
Note: The theme was 'running'. Phyllis is absolutely right, this is addictive!
Universe: Old West
The unrelenting midday heat had driven them into the Saloon for cool drinks and shade.
A sudden yelp of distress, then angry shouts, echoed down the empty main street as a flash of faded red streaked past the window where Chris and Vin sat.
"S'Buck. Running."
"Sure looks like it, Cowboy."
"In his union suit." Green eyes lifted from the cards. "You told me Martha's husband was back from the cattle drive today."
"S'right."
"But you didn't tell Buck?"
"Nope."
Chris raised his eyebrows. "Why?"
Blue eyes sparkled. "'Cos the only one who gets to call Peso 'buzzard bait' is me..."
Universe: Old West
He leaned flat against the tree, his ears straining over the sound of his own gasps, listening for his pursuers.
Howling!
Dogs! They have dogs!
Run!
Screams, in the distance! Joseph!
Run faster!
The root of a tree unseen, falling down the hillside, landing hard on the roadway below.
Strong arms around me, "I've got you brother."
Into the back of a wagon with stinking blankets thrown over top of me.
The Massa's angry words.
"Now friend, I'm a man of the cloth if you don't believe me maybe Brother Winchester here can convince you, I've not seen your property."
Universe: Little Britches
"Buck?"
"Yeah, little bit?"
"Me and Vin finded a kitty, can we keeps it?"
"Sure, little bit."
The poker game had everyone's rapt attention, rarely did the pot get this big.
"I'm gonna name it Stripe."
"That's a good name JD," replied Buck absently.
Ezra's hands froze in mid-deal.
Both he and Buck turned as one to see a grinning JD, with "Stripe" draped in his arms.
"Chris!" Josiah sent up the alarm from the doorway of the jailhouse. "Looks like we got trouble over at the saloon, men are runnin' over each other trying to get out the door."
"Just a little further. You can do it. Ezra mentally willed himself to keep moving as he sought shelter in the barn.
The sweat was beginning to trickle down his back in rivulets. Oh the indignity. It was hot as Hades outside today. What had possessed him to engage in such an activity? Maybe if had he had worn shorts and a t-shirt instead of slacks and a button down shirt? Oh heaven forbid.
Rounding the corner he was violently accosted by Nathan. A huge smile split the medic's face as he yelled at an exceptionally loud level.
"Ezra's It!"
Please donít let him catch me.
He ran for his life and for his safety. This was his fault. His suggestion. It had seemed like a fun thing to do.
Good grief! What had he been thinking?
"Ooommfff!" The air left his body as he was tackled to the ground by a man nearly half his size.
"If you ever make such a heinous request of me again, I shall be forced to inform every female in the federal building that you have developed a rather nasty southern rash."
With a predatory gleam in his eyes, Ezra yelled.
"Buckís It!"
"So help me God, I will kill Buck." Chris's thoughts turned to murder as his ran from the side pasture. Didn't he do this for a living? Chasing criminals? But right now his heart was nearly beating out of his chest. He was getting too damn old for this.
Then he heard it. The blissful sound of childish laughter rang through the air. It was Vin, his adoptive son, and that laughter was all too rare. Buck's voice boomed with glee.
"Vin's It!"
That's when he knew exactly why he had agreed to this little game. And he ran on.
Universe: Dungeons and Dragons
I'm trying this again. It's a little like trying to write poetry.
Josiah was running. He ranted as he ran. Mages don't run. They never run. They are men of great power and dignity. Nevertheless he was running with his robe wrapped around one arm and his staff of power carried like a javelin. He breathed deeply and could smell the scent of burnt magic. Where were the others? Would he be in time? Still he ran.
Then the stones moved, "Shards!! Can anything else go wrong?" His foot slipped.
SPLASH!!
Universe: Dungeons and Dragons
Here's another one, this is more of a mood piece than anything.
The full moon called to him. He sat up quietly and looked around at his human companions. They slept soundly. Vin stood and shedding his clothes like unwanted skin he began to run, barely touching the ground beneath him. The trees sang to him. The earth, the water, the sky joined in the symphony. Vin ran on his arms out stretched the moon bathing his body and upturned face with silver light accenting his pointed ears. His world sang and he was the conductor. He was one with all of nature.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction and is not for profit. I do not own the characters (I wish I did, but I don't.. sigh).
Universe: ATF
Authors note: The two coasters mentioned are from one of my favorite places... Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio. The 300 footer is Millennium Force and does indeed go 92 mph and is one of my favorite rides. The 420 one is brand new this year, called Top Thrill Dragster and breaks all records. At 120 mph the ride apparently only last 20 seconds (I have yet to try it... not sure I will... but figured Vin would!).
Every once in a while when I'm on these rides I try to imagine what the guys would be like as coaster riders... especially when I'm about to be turned upside down on the Raptor (suspended roller coaster, lots g-forces and a couple of loops, very fun). Anyway, that is what inspired this story... many times running, trying to catch that last train before the park closes. :)
"Mr. Tanner!" Ezra huffed, trying to keep pace with Vin. "I fail to see why we must continue this pace!"
"Cause we gotta catch—"
"It is not a matter of life or death if we catch that damned thing!" Ezra argued, panting now.
"You're just chicken!"
"I believe I proved my courage quite well by going on the last one!"
"That one was only 300 feet."
"It went 92 mph!"
"This one goes 120!"
"Oh joy!" Ezra eyed the looming monstrosity ahead.
"I paid $43 to get into this park and I'm ridin' that 420 foot coaster before it closes!"
End.
Disclaimer: Not mine etc...
Note: In case you're not familiar with the AU, Mac is a lazy dog.
Universe: RNLI
The sun felt good on his back, the sand soft and warm under his toes. Mac was somewhere behind him, paddling in the surf, Buck knew he'd catch up. The sun sparkled of the millpond fat sea; only the tiniest of ripples disturbed the surface as it lapped the shore. The distant island with its monastery was already fading into the heat haze. He picked up the pace, toes digging into the soft sand, his lungs burned with the effort but that too felt good. It was going to be a gorgeous day and it was good to be alive.
The End
Disclaimer: Not mine etc...
"Run."
"No."
"No! What'd ya mean no! You run or I shoot you right now!"
"You are going to shoot me anyway, why should I spend my last moments on God's green earth doing something I detest?"
"What's the matter fancy men, worried you'll brake out in a sweat?"
"Gentleman do not sweat, gentleman perspire."
"You just shut the fuck up and run!"
"As I said — no."
"What the... Aggggg..."
"Hi Ez!"
"Mr Wilmington. What took you?"
"What took me! Ezra I just ran up six flights of stairs. You know? Jeez you save a guys life and ..."
The End
Disclaimer: Not mine etc...
Universe: Little Britches ATF
Note: Don't know if this will make sense to Americans but is based on a real event.
"Run Buck! Run!" JD¹s high-pitched voice shrieked.
"Faster Chris! Faster!" Vin shouted.
"Buck's gonna win," JD asserted.
"No he ain't Chris is faster 'un Buck," Vin argued.
"Buck is bigger than Chris."
"Yeah but Chris is skinnier, ya needs to be skinny t' run fast — like me. Look they're coming!"
"AND THE WINNER OF THE PARENTS RACE IS MR SALMON."
"Oh," Vin exclaimed somewhat surprised.
"Who's he?" JD asked, indignantly.
"He's Mike's dad, he played football once, fer the Broncos, guess he's kinda fast. Chris is still faster 'un Buck."
"Is not!"
"Is to!"
"Is not times a million squillion!"
The End
Universe: ATF
Ezra Standish did not run. It was something he simply didn't do, at least unless someone was shooting at him or some other dire emergency.
So, therefore he was not running.
Well, Okay, maybe he was hurrying, feet lifting quickly, pounding the sidewalk, but Ezra Standish simply didn't run.
Oh, damn, did they just opened the doors... and I'm still a block away...
Why on earth couldn't he have found a closer parking place.
Ezra sighed... and ran.
After all getting in to the first sale of Brioni suits EVER... before the hoard of well dressed men crowding into the open doors stripped the racks bare could be considered a dire emergency.
Universe: ATF
The gunrunners were all contained, but procedure said to do a final sweep.
Chris watched as Vin moved towards the back and disappeared down the stairs to the basement, gun ready.
Then, suddenly there was a yell and a shot.
Chris ran towards the back and was bowled over by Vin as he rocketed out of the staircase, never even seeing his friend as he continued on and out of the building.
Chris picked himself up, looked at the stairs, shook his head and ran after the sharpshooter.
As he caught up with Vin, Chris could see his chest heaving and wide eyes. At Chris's questioning look Vin rasped out...
"Rats... millions of 'um... I hate rats!"
Universe: ATF
This one might be a word or two over... but I just couldn't cut anything else.
The accident happened fast, one minute cars were rolling past, then suddenly there were bangs and thumps and vehicles flying by. Time seemed to slow as a minivan flipped over.
Chris Larabee witnessed the event as he sat at the stoplight.
Then, as the engine burst into flames he was out of his Ram and running... he reached the van and found the door hopelessly jammed.
He could see the woman inside... and her young son.
He smashed the windshield as the flames grew.
He pulled the woman out first, then reached in to grab the boy.
Then he ran, boy in his arms and woman staggering along beside him, as the vehicle blew up behind them.
Universe: Little Britches ATF
Disclaimer: They never were and never will be mine.
Vin pumped his legs as fast as they would go to keep up with JD. He could hear the chimes behind him but wasn't sure what they meant. It must be something terrible for Dunne to drop his ball and glove in mid-play and run for his life.
Vin was surprised at the look of urgency on the younger boy's face, before making a mad dash for the ranch house screaming, "Buck, Buck, Buuuuuck."
The older boy rounded the porch, raced up the steps and followed JD into the large great room hearing, "Hurry Buck!! It's the Ice Cream Man!!!"
DISCLAIMERS: Very clever people own the rights to the Magnificent Seven and their characters. I'm just borrowing them and promise to return them.
Universe: Little Britches Dungeons and Dragons
Ezra ran faster, cursing his luck. It was all Josiah's fault, he decided. If the wizard hadn't humiliated him in his lessons, Ezra never would have felt the need to go practice on his own and hence, wouldn't be running now.
His only hope was to reach the cave he, Vin and JD had been exploring earlier. As the oldest, it was his job to watch over Vin and JD.
Ezra leapt, catching the edge of the cave entrance just as the flood reached him. Hauling himself into the cave, he looked up into the angry eyes of Josiah.
DISCLAIMERS: Very clever people own the rights to the Magnificent Seven and their characters. I'm just borrowing them and promise to return them.
Universe: Old West
His only hope was to reach the river. Once there he could run its course, leaving no trail. The fear that had consumed him when he realized what he'd done increased, causing him to run faster.
Seeing the river before him, he turned downstream and moved as swiftly as possible, keeping to the bank. His lungs burned with his exertion and he knew he would never be able to outrun his fleet-footed pursuer, but maybe if he could find someplace to hole up...
"Larabee!"
Chris panicked; the voice was too close.
"Larabee! You¹re a deadman!" threatened Vin Tanner, closing in.
DISCLAIMERS: Very clever people own the rights to the Magnificent Seven and their characters. I'm just borrowing them and promise to return them.
Universe: ATF
He had forgotten how good it could feel to have the wind whispering in his ears and blowing on his face. The cool temperature helped him as well. Breathing more easily than he would have suspected, Josiah continued to focus on his form.
Nathan had been correct in his advice. Josiah's appreciation for his friend's help grew as he passed yet another runner. Three months ago he wouldn't have given a second thought to the 5K race, but a lot of things could change in three months.
As he approached the finish line, he heard the cheers of his teammates.
DISCLAIMERS: Very clever people own the rights to the Magnificent Seven and their characters. I'm just borrowing them and promise to return them.
Universe: Little Britches ATF
Excitement flooded his body as he raced along the bank of the stream. His eyes filled with wonder and pride as he watched the boat he had made float along beside him.
Joy filled his heart as he watched the little boat bounce through the small rapids without capsizing. He let out a whoop as his boat got caught in a branch. Stepping into the stream to retrieve it, Vin turned and started running back toward the distant figure of his father, calling out excitedly, "Chris! Did you see it?"
"Sure did, son," Chris called back, beaming at the exuberant boy.
DISCLAIMERS: Very clever people own the rights to the Magnificent Seven and their characters. I'm just borrowing them and promise to return them.
Universe: Little Britches
Nathan kept his sharp eye out for his pursuer. Seeing that the one chasing him had been temporarily diverted, Nathan rested his hands on his knees and tried to catch his breath. With a smile he couldn't suppress, he watched as his pursuer scrambled after other prey.
Remembering back over the past weeks, Nathan couldn't remember ever running so much. Still, he wouldn't trade watching the boys for anything. Finally he saw the attention focus back on him. Taking a few jogging steps, Nathan found his way blocked by Peso.
A hand tapped him as Vin cried, "You're it, Uncle Nathan!"
DISCLAIMERS: Very clever people own the rights to the Magnificent Seven and their characters. I'm just borrowing them and promise to return them.
Universe: Texas
Buck sprinted after the suspect. "Why do they always run?" he muttered. Just once he wished they would find a criminal who refused to run. He wondered idly how Vin had managed as a bounty hunter for so long. "Must've drove the man nuts," Buck said, jumping over a trashcan.
As the chase continued, he was thankful for the time he spent at Chris and Sarah's ranch playing touch football and tag with Adam, Chris and Sarah. The addition of Vin, JD, Nathan and Josiah kept things lively.
Cornering the suspect he called, "Freeze, Texas Rangers!"
DISCLAIMERS: Very clever people own the rights to the Magnificent Seven and their characters. I'm just borrowing them and promise to return them.
Universe: Brothers AU
JD felt his lungs burn. He looked behind him and could see the forms of his brothers behind him. He had tried to apologize to them for the laundry mishap, but had known he was in trouble as wicked grins spread across their faces. When the other six began to close in on him, he had bolted.
He was fairly confident he could outrun the three oldest, but Nathan, Vin and Ezra could spell trouble for him. Throwing an obstacle or two in their way as he ran from the house, he'd taken off for his favorite hiding spot.
He ran as fast as he could. He was sure why they were after him. He only knew he had to get away. The faster he ran the closer they got.
He stopped running; turned around and took a stand he decided to face them. They ran right past him.
He looked up and there standing a few feet head of him was the guy from... The Terminator... the one the guys always said he looked like. What's his name? He was surrounded.
Breathing a sigh of relief he shook his head and made his way into the Federal Building.
DISCLAIMERS: The following is a work of fan fiction. The characters of Magnificent 7 are owned by and copyrighted to CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment, every one in the western world but me. Taking them out to play and promise to return them, no matter how much I want to keep them.
Universe: Little Britches
"Let's race." JD yelled as he started to run ahead.
"HEY!" Vin protested as he charged after his cousin.
The two orphans raced around the small lake as the two gunslinger/fathers watched and called out encouragement.
Vin quickly caught the JD, but varied his pace to stay close to the younger boy.
As they rounded the last turn, JD stumbled and fell down, sprawling out. He looked up with tears in his eyes. Vin had been behind his cousin and he threw his body down and rolled past the smaller boy.
Grinning, they both leapt up and took off again.
DISCLAIMERS: The following is a work of fan fiction. The characters of Magnificent 7 are owned by and copyrighted to CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment, every one in the western world but me. Taking them out to play and promise to return them, no matter how much I want to keep them.
Universe: ATF
Nathan ran. He could catch the man in front of him if he just pushed a little harder. He sat his sights on the shirt in front of him, determined to not lose him.
He pushed all thoughts from his mind. He concentrated on his breathing, on a strong steady pace. Glancing down, he checked for irregularities that might trip him.
The distance was cut by half. Nathan pushed harder. Thirty yards. Twenty. Ten. Nathan kicked, pushing harder. Five. He leaned forward.
The white tape stretched and snapped.
"The winner of the Denver Ten K Run, Number 321, Nathan Jackson."
DISCLAIMERS: The following is a work of fan fiction. The characters of Magnificent 7 are owned by and copyrighted to CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment, every one in the western world but me. Taking them out to play and promise to return them, no matter how much I want to keep them.
Universe: Old West
"Run, Ezra, run" Josiah Sanchez yelled. "They're coming."
The southerner resisted the urge to glance behind him. 'Keep moving. You can do it.'
The six men looked on as the man charged toward them, able to do nothing but watch and call out encouragement.
"Move, Standish." Wilmington cried out.
The gambler saw his friends, safe in the tree. He needed to get there, to get into the tree to save himself.
He saw Chris and Josiah lean out, reaching for his raised arms. Suddenly, he was perched on a limb. Who would have thought prairie dogs would charge in mass?
DISCLAIMERS: The following is a work of fan fiction. The characters of Magnificent 7 are owned by and copyrighted to CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment, every one in the western world but me. Taking them out to play and promise to return them, no matter how much I want to keep them.
Universe: Old West
Buck ran, laughing, his lungs having trouble keeping enough air. Still he ran. He'd have to stop soon. The kid was younger, lighter, in better shape, but maybe he could stay ahead of him long enough for the youngster to get over his 'mad'.
"Dang it, Buck. I'm going to bust you. It ain't funny." JD yelled at his back.
"Depends on where you're standing, kid." Buck cackled. And he kept running. Right into Chris. And down they went...
"Ah, hell." He jumped up and ran. Now JD and Chris were both after him. So he ran and he laughed.
DISCLAIMERS: The following is a work of fan fiction. The characters of Magnificent 7 are owned by and copyrighted to CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment, every one in the western world but me. Taking them out to play and promise to return them, no matter how much I want to keep them.
Universe: ATF
He pounded down the alley. The sunlight was obscured by the tall buildings and he momentarily lost sight of his prey.
'No, there he is.' Josiah thought to himself as a flash of color appeared at the end of the alley. He surged forward.
Josiah was just exiting the Federal building when a young man slammed into an older woman, grabbed her purse and took off.
The kid slowed and strolled into the daylight just as Sanchez reached out and grabbed his neck.
"You snatched a purse in front of the Federal building?"
DISCLAIMERS: The following is a work of fan fiction. The characters of Magnificent 7 are owned by and copyrighted to CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment, every one in the western world but me. Taking them out to play and promise to return them, no matter how much I want to keep them.
Universe: Star Trek
Larabee trotted down the pathway, trees surrounding him. The sound of birds filled the crisp, cool air.
He jogged with the ease and familiarity gained through years following the same trail. Soon the trail rose. By the time he reached the end of the trail, he would go up two hundred feet in elevation.
At the top of the hill was an exhilarating view of the ocean. Several times he had seen pods of whales swimming by. The salty spray rolled over the hillside as the waves crashed onto the shore. He started down the incline.
"Captain? You are needed on the bridge."
"Damn. Computer, terminate program."
Disclaimer: No money is earned from this paltry excuse for fanfiction. All hail MGM, MGM, etc.
Universe: 21st Century AU
Ezra missed his footing, falling headlong into murky pondwater. He cursed savagely, dragging his aching, exhausted body upon the damp earth of the bank.
A sizzling frisson stabbed him; his relentless pursuer showed himself.
"Face me, Standish," the pale Immortal warrior whispered, drawing his medieval sword, to strike the fatal decapitating blow. "You murdered the only thing I—"
"NO! I didn't kill Mac, you're wrong, he's still alive— believe me! I wouldn't... we'll go— back... won't accept your Challenge!"
"Brother, there can be only ONE!" He swung his Ivanhoe, Ezra scrabbling inside his coat for his Rebel Blade.
"METHOS! NO!............"
Universe: ATF LB
Disclaimers: The characters of The Magnificent Seven belong to CBS, MGM, Trilogy Entertainment Group, and The Mirisch Corp. Original characters belong to me.
Notes: Thanks to Mog for the ATF universe.
"I knew it was too good to be true." Nathan shook his head as he watched.
He had been surprised to learn that Buck had started jogging, but attributed it to the fact that a suspect had eluded him during a bust and almost flattened JD while escaping. Nathan had been delighted to see his teammate finally taking an interest in some form of physical fitness that did not involve an overly endowed blond and a can of whipped cream.
Buck passed him by, grinning, as the girl's track team from the University of Colorado surrounded him as they ran.
Chris: Run faster!
Buck: How long have we been running?
Vin: Since episode 3!
Nathan: I could do this all day.
JD: Show off!
Ezra: Exactly why are we doing this?
Chris: We have to have this 'drabble' done before midnight!
Ezra: I have some experience in this whole creative thing, you need a plot. You can¹t just use sex.
Chris: Shut up Ez!
Ezra: But....
Josiah: Fellows, they're right behind us!
Vin: And there's more! Run!
Buck: We ARE running! Sheesh!
<Chris glares>
Buck: Sorry Cowboy.
<They run into a dead end. The list ladies come up behind them...>
Ahhhhhh, gee, that's 100 wordsŠexactly. <sigh> I have to stop... <giggle>
Disclaimer: don't own them never will <sigh>
"RUN!"
"RUN!"
"RUN!"
The shouts were coming from the edge of the jungle.
Buck?
Ezra sat for a moment in the shade of a massive tree wondering what the man was going on about. Since his recent knock to his head, his brain hadn't been quite up to... His eyes widened when he saw it.
A big god damn Rex.
A Tyrannosaurus Rex to be precise and it was hot on the trail of Mr. Wilmington. The ground began to shake beneath him managing to grunt out an "Aw Hell!" as he struggled to his feet and began to run.