But the continual intervention of the massive trunks made the chase by no means an easy one, and as he could not keep her always in sight he was unable to follow or understand the one intelligent direction which she seemed to invariably keep.
Nevertheless, he gained upon her breathlessly, and, thanks to the bark-strewn floor, noiselessly.

He was near enough to distinguish and recognize the dress she wore, a pale yellow, that he had admired when he first saw her.

It was Nellie, unmistakably; if it were she of the brown duster, she had discarded it, perhaps for greater freedom.

He was near enough to call out now, but a sudden nervous timidity overcame him; his lips grew dry.

What should he say to her?
How account for his presence?
"Miss Nellie, one moment!" he gasped.