They passed the shed, making a straight march, as swift as might be, for the fallen man; but before they reached him they saw some one coming, a black, increasing form in the snowy distance.

Morin hesitated.

If the thief had arisen, strong and able-bodied, it was clear that they had again been tricked for an evil purpose.

Even Madge looked alarmed, and they both raised a halloo in the _patois_ of the region.

The answer that came across the reach of the storm cheered them.
The new-comer, a messenger from the nearest village, became voluble as soon as he was within speaking distance.