One faint star, set above the fading blush

Of sunset, saw the coming night, and grew.

With hand for trumpet, Jamie gave halloo;

And once again. For answer, the horse neighed.

Some vague mistrust now made him half afraid—

Some formless dread that stirred beneath the will

As far as sleep from waking.

Down the hill,

Close-footed in the skitter of the shale,

The spurred horse floundered to the solid vale