Dick recognized these figures.

Shapeless as he might appear on his horse that was Colonel Winchester, and there were the broad shoulders of Sergeant Whitley and the figures of the others.
He rushed through the dripping forest and shouted in a tone that could be heard above the shriek of wind and rain.

Colonel Winchester recognized the voice, but the light was so dim that he did not recognize him from whom it came.

Certainly the figure that emerged from the forest did not look human.
"Colonel," cried Dick, "it is I, Richard Mason, whom you left behind!" "So it is," said Sergeant Whitley, keener of eye than the others.
The whole troop set up a shout as Dick came forward, taking off his dripping cap.
"Why, Dick, it is you!" exclaimed Colonel Winchester in a tone of immeasurable relief.

"We missed you and your horse and hoped that you were somewhere ahead.