It was the one who had reined his horse across the road to stop him.

A fourth and conclusive signal of alarm was registered upon his brain.
He began to dress rapidly and without noise.

Meanwhile he listened intently and could hear the words they spoke.

The woman was pleading with them to let him go.

He was only a harmless lad, and while these were dark days, a crime committed now might yet be punished.
"A harmless boy," said the strange man.