Suddenly there burst into the black night from somewhere in front of them a most unearthly yell.
Allison's horse quivered and Sammie's gave a violent lurch.
"Heavens, Sammie! What was that?"
"Blast the moon!" ejaculated Sammie. "Ride close to the side of the road. It was near here."
They had passed the clump of trees, but were still in the dark. All was still save the tiresome moaning of the trees. Then they heard the rapid approach of some man or beast, and the next instant, directly at their sides, there went out onto the night air a succession of blood-curdling yells and barks.
The horses sprang and danced.
The moon came out, and in its pale yellow light they saw the creature disappearing down the road. It was the figure of a man, crouching and springing, rather than walking. As he neared the clump of trees he made the night shudder with still wilder and fiercer screams. Then he disappeared down the shadowy road.
"A madman!" said Allison. "Heavens! What couldn't he do to a fellow if he had him to himself?"
Sammie laughed nervously.