"Maybe a farmer going home?"

"Maybe, but I don't think so, sir."

"At any rate, we'll soon see, because our unknown comes on without a
break. There he is now!"

They had a comparatively clear view straight ahead, and the figure of a
man and a horse emerged from the shadows.

The sergeant raised his rifle, but, as the man came on without fear,
he dropped it again. Some strange effect of the moonlight exaggerated
the rider and his horse, making both look gigantic, blending them
together in such manner that a tremendous centaur seemed to be riding
them down. In an instant or two the general effect vanished and as a
clear beam fell upon the man's face Dick uttered an exclamation of relief.

"Shepard!" he said, and he felt then that he should have known before
that it was Shepard who was coming. He, alone of all men, seemed to have
the gift of omniscience and omnipresence. The spy drew his horse to a
halt directly in front of him and saluted:

"Lieutenant Mason, sir?" he said.

"I'm glad it's you, Mr. Shepard," said Dick. "I think that in this wood
we'll need the hundred eyes that once belonged to Argus, but which he has
passed on to you."

"Thank you, sir," said Shepard.