I looked, and, to my horror, I remembered that long years before I had on this very spot seen a figure in white, which had disappeared on the edge of the cliff.
I was so astonished that for a minute I did not move, and when I recovered my senses Deborah had gone, although I thought I heard her croaking, mocking laugh a little distance away.
"The old woman is mad, Roger," said Ruth; "let us go home quickly."
I was nothing loth. I hurried on as though the furies were behind me, while Ruth was evidently as anxious as I to get indoors.
We had entered the old postern door, and were walking up the drive leading to the house, when a servant met me.
"Mr. Roger," he said, anxiously, "you must please come in at once."
"Why, is anything the matter?"
"Yes, your father has fallen off his horse and is badly hurt."
A great dread laid hold of me, but I hurried towards his room.