Could it be fatigued, or did this invisible being wish to entice Sir William and his companions to the place where the inhabitants of the cottage had perhaps themselves been enticed.

It was hard to say.
The men, seeing that the distance lessened, redoubled their efforts.

The light which had before burnt at a distance of more than two hundred feet before them was now seen at less than fifty.

The space continued to diminish.

The bearer of the lamp became partially visible.