springing from rock to rock up the narrowing gorge, until he reached a
spot where the dwindling stream could be crossed by a bound; from which
spot a wild path, more like a goat track than one intended for the foot
of man, led upwards towards the higher portions of the wild fell.

The boy sped onwards with the fleetness and agility of a born
mountaineer. The hound bounded at his side; and before either had
traversed the path far, voices ahead of them became distinctly audible,
and a little group might be seen approaching, laden with the spoils of
the chase.

In the van of the little party were three lads, one of whom bore so
striking a resemblance to the youth who now hastened to meet them, that
the relationship could not be for a moment doubted. As a matter of fact
the four were brothers; but they followed two distinct types -- Wendot
and Griffeth being fair and bright haired, whilst Llewelyn and Howel
(who were twins) were dark as night, with black hair and brows, swarthy
skins, and something of the wildness of aspect which often accompanies
such traits.

Wendot, the eldest of the four, a well-grown youth of fifteen, who was
walking slightly in advance of his brothers, greeted Griffeth's approach
with a bright smile.

"Ha, lad, thou shouldst have been with us! We have had rare sport today.
The good fellows behind can scarce carry the booty home. Thou must see
the noble stag that my bolt brought down. We will have his head to adorn
the hall -- his antlers are worth looking at, I warrant thee. But what
brings thee out so far from home? and why didst thou hail us as if we
were wanted?"