The shrubbery and copse on either side overhung it, and in many places were so thickly interwoven, that when, as at intervals of the night, the moon shone out among the thick and broken clouds which hung upon and mostly obscured her course, her scattered rays scarcely penetrated the dense enclosure.
At length the horseman approached, and in silence.

Descending the hill, his motion was slow and tedious.

He entered the fatal avenue; and, when in the midst of it, Rivers started from the side of his comrade, and, advancing under the shelter of a tree, awaited his progress.

He came--no word was spoken--a single stroke was given, and the horseman, throwing up his hands, grasped the limb which projected over, while his horse passed from under him.

He held on for a moment to the branch, while a groan of deepest agony broke from his lips, when he fell supine to the ground.