Upon reaching the spot they found that a huge tree had been uptorn there, its matted roots, filled in with earth and overgrown with a thick mass of bushes forming as impenetrable a cover as could be desired.
“Just the place for us,” declared the scout, “and we are near enough, so that we can see the horsemen as they pass. Crawl in and make yourself as comfortable as possible,” parting the bushes so that she had little difficulty in gaining the retreat.
“No one would mistrust you were there,” he said, as he allowed the undergrowth to resume its natural position, “I can’t see you, I swear.”
“But aren’t you going to remain?” she asked uneasily, as he seemed about to move away.
“No; keep perfectly still until I return, and above all don’t get alarmed. I am going out to salute ’em fellows. They are almost here, too, I’m going to play on ’em. Just to keep up my reputation.”
Before Mara could speak he stepped boldly out from the growth into the path of the oncoming horsemen.
Parting the bushes so that she had a good view of the scene Mara saw the troops, half a dozen in number, dash into sight.
To her dismay the Wizard Scout went coolly forward to meet them, crying as they swept down upon him.
“Hold up there, boys! would ye ride right over an old man?”