Breathless, with heart beating fast, I crouched low in the shadow, endeavoring to make out my more immediate surroundings.

There were no horses there, but I could clearly distinguish the stomping of restless hoofs somewhere to the right.

As I straightened up, determined upon discovering an empty saddle if possible, the figure of a man suddenly loomed directly in front, advancing toward me.

In startled surprise I took one step backward, but was too late.

Already the eyes of the newcomer had perceived my presence, and he sprang forward, tugging at his sword.
"Hold on there! hold on!" he commanded shortly.