I faced about, and commenced my ascent of the hill.
From somewhere near a voice came to me clearly. "Run for your life," it said.
I could see nothing, but retreated hurriedly, and was soon with the others at the top of the hill.
"Why did you tell me to run?" I panted.
They looked at me. "We said nothing," was the answer; "we merely signalled you to come back."
"Well, someone ordered me to run for my life."
"Ah!" said they. "We thought we heard a voice. We saw a figure at the other side of the pond. We came over the crest cautiously, and he did not expect us. He was crossing in range of the light from the Mansion gate when we detected him. So much for following you!"
"Well, but who spoke to me? He could not have done so; his voice would not have sounded so near."
"No, evidently someone near you was watching him; he was about to waylay you, and the watcher knew it and warned you."
We heard a commotion and saw a figure dash from the bridge, away toward the north end of the pond, and disappear.