"There is a black smudge beyond that dead pony; lean forward here and you can see what I mean--on the ground.

I--I imagined it moved just then." She pointed into the darkness.

"It is the merest shadow, but seemed to wiggle along, and then stop; it's still now." Hamlin focussed his keen eyes on the spot indicated, shading them with one hand.
"Slide back further on the seat," he whispered softly, "and let me in next the window." There was a moment's silence, the only sound the wind.

The girl gripped the back of the seat nervously with both hands, holding her breath; the Sergeant, the outline of his face silhouetted against the sky, stared motionless into the night without.

Suddenly, not making a sound, he lifted the rifle to his shoulder..