As he approached, a long tremor seemed to pass through the shrubbery, with the retreating sound of horse hoofs.

The unseen trespasser had evidently taken the alarm and was fleeing, and Clarence dashed in pursuit.

Following the sound, for the shrubbery hid the fugitive from view, he passed the last wall of the casa; but it soon became evident that the unknown had the better horse.

The hoof-beats grew fainter and fainter, and at times appeared even to cease, until his own approach started them again, eventually to fade away in the distance.

In vain Clarence dug his heels into the flanks of his heavier steed, and regretted his own mustang; and when at last he reached the edge of the thicket he had lost both sight and sound of the fugitive.
The descent to the lower terrace lay before him empty and desolate.