From this spot they could discern the whole of the valley beyond, and
they scanned it in the hope of perceiving the object of their search.
Though not comparable to the view on the nearer side, the prospect
was nevertheless exceedingly beautiful. Long vistas and glades
stretched out before them, while in the far distance might be seen
glittering in the moonbeams the lake or mere which in later days has
received the name of Virginia Water.

While they were gazing at this scene, a figure habited like a keeper of
the forest suddenly emerged from the trees at the lower end of one of
the glades. Persuaded that this person had some mysterious
connection with the ghostly huntsman, the earl determined to follow
him, and hastily mentioning his suspicions and design to Richmond, he
hurried down the hill. But before he accomplished the descent, the
keeper was gone.

At length, however, on looking about, they perceived him mounting the
rising ground on the left, and immediately started after him, taking care
to keep out of sight. The policy of this course was soon apparent.
Supposing himself no longer pursued, the keeper relaxed his pace, and
the others got nearer to him.

In this way both parties went on, the keeper still hurrying forward,
every now and then turning his head to see whether any one was on his
track, until he came to a road cut through the trees that brought him to
the edge of a descent leading to the lake. Just at this moment a cloud
passed over the moon, burying all in comparative obscurity. The
watchers, however, could perceive the keeper approach an ancient
beech-tree of enormous growth, and strike it thrice with the short