My heart gave a joyful leap, for I heard Eli's whistle. It was a weird, unearthly sound, and was suggestive of spirits of darkness rather than of a human being. I ran in the direction of the sound, however.
"Eli, quick!" I gasped; then I heard the welcome click of horses' feet again.
"Maaster Jasper, got purty maid?" he grunted.
"Yes; her horse, Eli, her horse."
"'Tes a fiery wawn. Be careful now!"
"I can ride any horse," said Naomi, eagerly; "don't fear for me now."
We were now under the trees close to Mawgan Church. It was so dark that I could scarcely see my hand, and the rain began to fall heavily.
I heard the voices of the men near me again. "Which way are they gone?" one said, for there was a branch road near us.
"Down to the left, past the kiddleywink," came an answering cry.
"No, up the hill, toward Mawgan Cross," said some one else.