Kandur was leading them.
Each man had a gun on his shoulder, a pistol in his girdle.
Along the winding road the mare Farao, treading lightly, led them: she too seemed to hasten, and sometimes broke through the reeds, making a short cut, as if she too were goaded on by some thirst for vengeance.
Among the willows, wills-o'-the-wisps were dancing.
They surrounded the horsemen, and followed their movements. Kandur smote at them with his lash.
"On the return journey we shall be two more!" he muttered between his teeth.
When they reached the lair there was merely a black stubbled ground left where the hay-rick stood before.
In all directions shapeless burnt masses lay about.
These were the ruins of the highwaymen's palace.
And the tears flow from their eyes, as they see their haunt thus destroyed.