It was debatable land, of which raiding bands would take full advantage, and, despite the risk, he wished to know what was on foot.

He was almost invisible under the boughs of a great oak which hung over the road, and the horse, after so many miles of hard riding, was willing enough to stand still.
The rain swished in his face and the leaves gave forth a chilly rustle, but he held himself firmly to his task.
The hoofbeats came nearer and then ceased.

The horsemen stopped at the point, where the narrower road merged into the larger and, as they were clear of the foliage, Harry caught a view of them.

There was no moonlight, but his eyes had grown so well used to the darkness that he was able to recognize Skelly, who was in advance, an old army rifle across his saddle bow.

Behind him were at least fifty men, and Harry knew they were all mountaineers.