The head of the horse is beside the outlaw.

In a moment the rider will occupy the same spot--and then! The finger of the outlaw is upon the trigger--the deadly aim is taken!--what arrests the deed?
Ah! surely there is a Providence--a special arm to save--to interpose between the criminal and his victim--to stay the wilful hands of the murderer, when the deed seems already done, as it has been already determined upon.
Even in that moment, when but a touch is necessary to destroy the unconscious traveller--a sudden rush is heard above the robber.

Great wings sweep away, with sudden clatter, and the dismal hootings of an owl, scared from his perch on a low shrub-tree, startles the cold-blooded murderer from his propriety.

With the nervous excitement of his mind, and his whole nature keenly interested in the deed, to break suddenly the awful silence, the brooding hush of the forest, with unexpected sounds, and those so near, and so startling--for once the outlaw ceased to be the master of his own powers! The noise of the bird scared the steed.

He dashed headlong forward, and saved the life of his rider! Yet Ralph Colleton never dreamed of his danger--never once conjectured how special was his obligations to the interposing hand of Providence! And so, daily, with the best of us--and the least fortunate.