Indeed, so intent were they on their work that they failed to note the approach of a strange man, until he stood within fifty paces of them.

Whence could he have come?
Had he been concealed behind some rock?
What was his purpose in thus stealing on the two unprotected women?
He wore the Wallachian peasant costume,--a high cap of white lamb's wool, from beneath which his long, black hair hung down over his shoulders, a leather dolman, without sleeves, a broad belt with buckles, under which his shirt extended half-way to his knees, and laced shoes.

He carried a scythe over one shoulder, and stood with his back to the sun, so that his features could not be clearly distinguished.
The young women seized each other by the hand, and uttered a cry of alarm.

The sight of the strange figure seemed to work on them like a nightmare, or like the ghost of some one known in life, but long since laid to rest in the grave.

At first the man appeared to be as badly frightened as the young ladies.