They thought that he also seemed to accelerate his movements; and this observation increased their terror, and would appear indeed to give it some more rational ground.

At length, as by a sudden turn of the road they lost sight of the dreaded stranger, their alarm suggested to them but one resolution, and they fairly fled on as fast as the fear which actuated, would allow, them.

The nearest, and indeed the only house in that direction, was Aram's, but they both imagined if they could come within sight of that, they should be safe.

They looked back at every interval; now they did not see their fancied pursuer--now he emerged again into view--now--yes--he also was running.
"Faster, faster, Madeline, for God's sake! he is gaining upon us!" cried Ellinor: the path grew more wild, and the trees more thick and frequent; at every cluster that marked their progress they saw the Stranger closer and closer; at length, a sudden break,--a sudden turn in the landscape;--a broad plain burst upon them, and in the midst of it the Student's solitary abode! "Thank God, we are safe!" cried Madeline.

She turned once more to look for the Stranger; in so doing, her foot struck against a fragment of stone, and she fell with great violence to the ground.