During the last few moments, the sky had cleared so rapidly that objects could be distinguished for quite a distance, and the two men strained their eyes through the gloom to catch sight of the stranger.
“There he is,” whispered Hammond, as the dim outlines of a horse was discovered through the darkness.
The horseman had reined his horse down to a walk, and was advancing quite cautiously. He continued onward until within a dozen feet of the two men, when he reined up.
“Who comes there?” asked Hammond.
“A friend.”
“What do you seek?”
“You are in great danger, and I have come to warn you of it.”
“Good heavens!” exclaimed Beers, in an undertone; “that is a woman!”
Hammond had noticed the wondrously soft and musical voice, and he now walked forward, so as to stand beside the horse. The dim light showed that Beers spoke the truth; it was a woman seated upon the horse.