He could not move as quickly as most men, but he put forth his utmost speed.

He followed across the road, on to the rocky common; but as he went along, with his uncertain gait, in the dusk gloaming, he stumbled, and fell over some sharp projecting stone.

The acute pain which shot up his back forced a short cry from him; and, when bird and beast are hushed into rest and the stillness of the night is over all, a high-pitched sound, like the voice of pain, is carried far in the quiet air.

Ruth, speeding on in her despair, heard the sharp utterance, and stopped suddenly short.

It did what no remonstrance could have done; it called her out of herself.