He soon ceased this, however, for it only increased his uneasiness.

Every minute or two he pressed one of his hands against his breast to make sure the precious package was there.

Then he glanced back again in the gloom, and started when he fancied he saw a man following him.

But it was only fancy, and he increased his pace, wondering why the mile seemed longer than he had ever known it before.
The rattle of a wagon caused him almost to leap from his feet.
"That's lucky!" he exclaimed; "I will get the man to let me ride, and then no one will dare disturb me." But it proved that the wagon was coming from the direction of his home, so it could not be turned to account.

He watched it as it came nearer.