Then I took the footpath down the hill and, swinging along at a round pace, was fairly started on my journey.

If the inference I drew from the next thing I saw were correct, it was just as well for me to be out of the way for a little while.

For, when I was still about thirty yards from the main road, there dashed past the end of the lane leading up the hill a carriage and pair, traveling at full speed.

I could not see who rode inside; but two men sat on the box, and there was luggage on the top.

I could not be sure in the dim light, but I had a very strong impression that the carriage was the same as that which had conveyed Mme.