In a moment Ambrose heard the sound of a horse approaching at a walk above.

Thinking of Colina, his heart leaped--but she would never come at a walk! An instinct of wariness bade him sit where he was.
A mounted man appeared on the bank above.

It was a breed forty-five years old perhaps, but vigorous and youthful still; good looking, well kept, with an agreeable manner; thus Ambrose's first impressions.

The stranger rode a good horse.
"Well ?" he said, looking down on Ambrose in surprise.
"Tie your horse and come down," said Ambrose politely.

He welcomed the diversion.