It was
not long before I saw my fine gentleman trotting in front of me up a
long but gentle slope that rose in the distance; and slackening my
own rein, I withdrew into the forest at the side of the road, till he
had passed its summit and disappeared, when I again galloped forward.
And thus we went on for an hour, over the most uneven country I ever
traversed, he always one hill ahead; when suddenly, by what instinct
I cannot determine, I felt myself approaching the end, and hastening
to the top of the ascent up which I was then laboring, looked down
into the shallow valley spread out before me.
What a sight met my eyes if I had been intent on anything less
practical than the movements of the solitary horseman below! Hills on
hills piled about a verdant basin in whose depths nestled a scanty
collection of houses, in number so small they could be told upon the
fingers of the right hand, but which notwithstanding lent an
indescribable aspect of comfort to this remote region of hill and
forest.
But the vision of Mr. Blake pausing half way down the slope before me,
examining, yes examining a pistol which he held in his hand, soon put
an end to all ideas of romance. Somewhat alarmed I reined back; but
his action had evidently no connection with me, for he did not once
glance behind him, but kept his eye on the road which I now observed
took a short turn towards a house of so weird and ominous an
appearance that I scarcely marvelled at his precaution.
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