Her heart, which had that moment bounded with delight, now utterly failed her, on perceiving the little chance which the poor young man had of being the first to meet her, and thus fulfill the prophecy.

Henderson was gaining upon him at a rapid rate, and must in a few minutes have passed him, had not woman's wit and presence of mind come to her assistance.

"If he cannot run up the hill," she said to herself, "I can run to him down it"-- and as the thought occurred to her, she started towards him at her greatest speed, which indeed was considerable, as her form was of that light and elastic description which betokens great powers of activity and exertion.

The struggle indeed was close; Henderson now plied whip and spur with redoubled energy, and the animal was approaching at full speed.

Mave, on the other hand, urged by a thousand motives, forgot everything but the necessity of exertion.