I listened to assure myself, then shook Tim into wakefulness, leaving him still blinking in the shadow of the stump, while I advanced in the direction of the spring.

Suddenly the darker shape of the slowly moving animals loomed up through the gloom, and came to a halt directly in front of me.

I saw nothing of Rale until he spoke.
"That yer, Moffett ?" "Yes; whar's yer party ?" I caught view of his dim outlines, as he stepped slightly forward, reassured by my voice.
"They'll be yere; thar's a bit o' time ter spare yit.

I aimed not ter keep 'em waitin'.

Here, this is yer hoss, an' yere's the leadin' strap fer the others.