ountry. The snow lay fairly deep, and the
horses' hoofs were soundless as we plunged through the crisp and
tingling air. The wind raced past me as I sat perched on my rickety
seat, swaying wildly with every lurch of the coach. With every gust
I seemed to drink in fresh strength and felt the very motion and
swiftness enter into my blood. Across the white waste we tore, up a
stiff ascent and down across the moorland again--still westward; and
now across the stretches of the moor I could catch the strong scent
of the sea upon the wind. Along the level we sped, silent and swift
beneath the moon. Here a white house by the roadside glimmered out
and was gone; there a mine-chimney shot up against the sky and faded
back again. We were going now at a gallop, and from my perch I could
see the yellow light of the lamps on the sweating necks of the
leaders.

There was a company of sailors with me on the coach-top--smoking,
talking, and shouting. Once or twice one of them would address a
word or two to me, but got scanty answers. I was looking intently
along the road for a sign of Colliver's carriage. He must have
ordered good horses, for I saw no sign of him as yet. Stay! As we
swept round a sharp corner and swung on to the straight road again, I
thought I spied far in front a black object moving on the universal
white. Yes, it must be he: and again on the wings of the wind I
heard the call, "To-night! to-night! Kill him! kill him! kill--"

Crash! With a heavy and sickening lurch sideways, the coach hung for
an instant, tottered, and then plunged over on its side, flinging me
clear of the luggage which pounded and rattled after. As I struggled
to my feet, half dazed, I saw a confused medley of struggling horses,
frightened passengers and scattered boxes. Collecting my senses I
rushed to help those inside the coach and then amid the moaning,
cursing and general dismay, sought out my bundle, grasped it tightly
and set off at a run down the heavy road. I could wait now for no
man.

Panting, spent, my sore limbs weighted with snow, I gained the top of
the hill and plunged down the steep street into Helston. There, at
"the Angel" I got a post-chaise and pair, and set off once more.
At first, seeing my dress and wondering what a sailor could want with
post-chaises at that hour, they demurred, but the money quickly
persuaded them. They told me also that a gentleman had changed
horses there about half an hour before