His imagination, which colored and magnified everything, made Black Rifle sinister and supernatural.

The complete absence of sound, as he advanced, heightened the effect.

Not a leaf nor a blade of grass rustled.

Presently he stopped and Robert saw the black muzzle of his rifle shoot forward.

A stream of flame leaped forth, and then the man quickly slid into a new position.
A fierce shout came from the opposing thicket, and a half dozen shots were fired.