Tedious was this slow movement, difficult and painful this journey which must end in lightninglike speed.

They rustled no leaf, nor snapped a twig, nor shook a fern, but passed onward slowly, like the approach of Death.

The seconds passed as minutes; minutes as hours; an entire hour was spent in advancing twenty feet! At last the top of the knoll was reached.

The Avenger placed his hand on his follower's shoulder.

The strong pressure was meant to remind, to warn, to reassure.