He hurried up to where it had stood, knelt, and felt of the soft earth.

Without a doubt there were footprints there--he could feel them.

But he hadn't a match with him, and the place was in deep shade.
He stood up and listened, thought he heard a faint sound farther along, and ran.

There was no use now in going quietly; what counted most was speed.
Once more he caught sight of the white form fleeing from him like the very wraith it would have him believe it.

Then he lost it again; and when he reached the spot where it disappeared, he fell headlong, his feet tangled in some white stuff.