They were but delusions, betraying the eye.

But there is a reality now; a steamer is seen cutting her way through the deep gloom, and throwing a long trail of light high up over the grey mist and reflecting curiously in the heavens.
Two stalworth men were seen walking down the road that night about eight o'clock, dressed in a style common to boatmen.

One carried a pair of oars over his shoulder; the other had a well-filled haversack slung across his, and a crowbar in his right hand.

They halted on reaching Bright's inn, and having stacked the oars and the bar against the little porch, entered, and were greeted by a number of friends already refreshing themselves at the counter.

The appearance of these men--for they were known to be the best boatmen on the Tappan Zee--greatly surprised Bright and the gossips who were enjoying his ale around a little table.