Yet for all her preparation she nearly fainted when a voice sounded directly behind her, a pleasantly modulated voice: "Look this way.

I am here, in front of the fire." She turned about and the two horses, quivering, whirled toward that sound.
She stepped back, back until the embers of the fire lay between her and that side of the little clearing.

In spite of herself the exclamation escaped her--"McGurk!" The voice spoke again: "Do not be afraid.

You are safe, absolutely." "What are you ?" "Your friend." "Is it you who followed me up the valley ?" "Yes." "Come into the light.

I must see you." A faint laughter reached her from the dark.
"I cannot let you do that.