In the distance, and partly concealed by the deep undergrowth of the forest, they perceived two men engaged in a hostile meeting.
So unlooked for was this strange sight, that the timid girls could have fainted; but, seized with horror and fright, they turned somewhat from their own path and ran swiftly away.
Still the clinking of swords sounded in their ears and it was long ere they could breathe freely again.
However, Ellen and her friends pursued their way towards the cottage of Andrew’s mother, but were greatly surprised to find that instead of dying, Andrew was not at home, but was well and hearty, except in mind, and had left the cottage rather suddenly a few nights before in pursuit of a strange horseman, whom he appeared to recognise as an enemy.
Since that time nothing had been seen or heard of the poor deranged youth, his old weeping mother said; nevertheless she did all that lay in her power to make her lady visitors as comfortable as possible.
But the good old dame wept very bitterly, for she was a widow, and since her son’s fatal accident she had fallen very rapidly in worldly circumstances, and was on the brink of great poverty, if, indeed, not of absolute want.
Ellen and her friends returned to the village, and did not fail to give an account of the duel which had taken place in Darlington Wood.
Miller Harmer and other villagers went forth, with their guns and swords, to see what had happened.
They scoured the woods thoroughly in all directions, but did not discover anything noteworthy.
As they were about to give up the search, however, old Harmer came upon a retired spot, and there found a large pool of blood.