“Ere long I found the thing I sought—alone!

I heard[1279] the sound of voices, heard them say

‘Good-night,’ ‘Good-night.’ One voice I knew; ’twas his!

I cowered low,[1280] till, with quick step, he pass’d,

Then, silent as a tiger, follow’d[1281] swift.

When he had gain’d the meadow he must cross,

I quicken’d pace, and saw him speed before—[1282]

‘Hillo, hillo!’ I cried; he stood to hear,

And ere a moment pass’d I reach’d his side.

There was a look of terror in his face,