their necks through a densely-clothed part of the wood,

when the sound above referred to increased, attracting

the attention of both parties. In a few seconds the

air was filled with a steady and continuous rumbling

sound, like the noise of a distant cataract. Pursuers

and fugitives drew rein instinctively, and came to a

dead stand; while the rumbling increased to a roar, and

evidently approached them rapidly, though as yet nothing

to cause it could be seen, except that there was a dense,

dark cloud overspreading the sky to the southward.