Next, and two miles at least behind, came the two carriages with the ladies and their maids.
Third, and half a mile behind these, came the Baron and the Reverend Saul.
Last of all, and half a mile behind the Baron, came Hawbury and Scone Dacres.
These last drove along at about this distance. The scenery around grew grander, and the mountains higher. The road was smooth and well constructed, and the carriage rolled along with an easy, comfortable rumble.
They were driving up a slope which wound along the side of a hill. At the top of the hill trees appeared on each side, and the road made a sharp turn here.
Suddenly the report of a shot sounded ahead.
Then a scream.
"Good Lord! Dacres, did you hear that?" cried Hawbury. "The Baron was right, after all."
The driver here tried to stop his horses, but Hawbury would not let him.
"Have you a pistol, Dacres?"