A recollection of the calamity of the previous night made him rein in his horse and examine it.

It was without doubt the saddle-blanket of Dr.
West's horse, lost when the saddle came off, after the Doctor's body had been dragged by the runaway beast.

But a second fact forced itself equally upon the young officer.

It was lying nearly a mile from the spot where the body had been picked up.

This certainly did not agree with the accepted theory that the accident had taken place further on, and that the body had been dragged until the saddle came off where it was found.