Torarin was so near to the man that he drove into the long shadow
that followed him. His horse's hoofs were just touching the shadow
of the hat plumes.

"Grim," said Torarin, "shall we ask if he will drive with us to
Marstrand?"

The dog began to bristle up at once, but Torarin laid his hand
upon his back. "Be quiet, Grim, my dog! I can see that you have no
love for the Scotsmen."

Sir Archie had not noticed that any one was so close to him. He
walked on without looking round. Torarin turned very quietly to
one side in order to pass him.

But at that moment Torarin saw behind the Scottish gallant
something that looked like another shadow. He saw something long
and thin and gray, which floated over the white surface without
leaving footprints in the snow or making it crunch.

The Scotsman advanced with long and rapid strides, looking neither
to the right hand nor to the left. But the gray shadow glided on
behind him, so near that it seemed as though it would whisper
something in his ear.

Torarin drove slowly on till he came abreast of them. Then he
could see the Scotsman's face in the bright moonlight. He walked
with a frown on his brow and seemed vexed, as though full of
thoughts that displeased him.