I stood my ground and demanded: "Who's there ?" I saw a form approaching in the gloom with feet as noiseless as a cat's.
I took a step backward and, seeing that it was a woman, stopped.
"It's Kate," the answer came in a hoarse whisper as I recognized her form and staff.
"Run, boy--they have just come out o' the woods.

I saw them.

They will take you away.

Run." She had picked up the flail and now she put it in my hands and gave me a push toward the door.

I ran, and none too quickly, for I had not gone fifty feet from the barn in the stubble when I heard them coming after me, whoever they were.