.

THE SHADOW.
A murmur of pleasure from my companions roused me: they had caught sight of their fellows in the distance! The two on Lona's horse rode on to join them.

They were greeted with a wavering shout--which immediately died away.

As we drew near, the sound of their sobs reached us like the breaking of tiny billows.
When I came among them, I saw that something dire had befallen them: on their childish faces was the haggard look left by some strange terror.
No possible grief could have wrought the change.

A few of them came slowly round me, and held out their arms to take my burden.