the objects in question looked more like crows than

horsemen, and their motion was for some time scarcely

perceptible.

"I sees pack-horses among them," cried young Marston

in an excited tone; "an' there's three riders; but

there's som'thin' else, only wot it be I can't tell."

"Ye've sharp eyes, younker," remarked one of the

men, "an' I do b'lieve ye're right."

Presently the horsemen approached, and soon there

was a brisk fire of guessing as to who they could be.