There wasn't anybody.
It was a marsh cry, and--oh!" Tom uttered a yell and went headlong down, with the effect of so startling his companion that he ran a few steps before he could recover his nerve, when he returned to extend his hand to Tom, who rose trembling, while Dick stood staring aghast at the dark figure lying extended among the heath, and over which his friend had stumbled.
"Why, Tom, it's Thorpeley!" cried Dick, as he went down on one knee and peered into the upturned face.

"Mr Thorpeley, Mr Thorpeley!" he cried; "what's the matter ?" There was no reply.
"It must have been him," whispered Dick.

"He had lost his way." "Then let him find it again," grumbled Tom, "instead of watching us." "But perhaps there is something the matter.

Mr Thorpeley, Mr Thorpeley!" Dick laid his hand upon the man's shoulder and shook him, but there was no response.
"Is he dead ?" said Tom in an awe-stricken whisper.
"Dead!" cried Dick, leaping up and shrinking away at the suggestion.
"No, he can't be.

He's quite warm," he added, going down on his knee again to shake the recumbent man, who now uttered a low groan.
"What shall we do, Dick ?" said Tom huskily.