"The eaves came down low to the ground and I had not much difficulty in making my escape noiselessly."
CHAPTER XXV.
THE WREN DISAPPEARS.
"But as I reached the ground a startling thing happened. I missed my footing and found myself rolling down a steepish bank. At the bottom I fetched up against an odd-looking little hut almost overgrown with bushes. It was bright moonlight and the door was open.
"Inside was a fire, and by its light I could see that the place was empty of human life, but that a collection of objects already familiar to me almost filled it.
"It was an illicit still!
"Clearly enough, also, it was operated by my hosts up above.
"I listened for sounds of pursuit, but heard none. Possibly they had not yet crept into my room to perform their horrible resolve.
"Suddenly the silence was broken by appalling yells and screams. My hair bristled for an instant and then I burst into a laugh.