which the moon was now shining, making patches of light and shadow.
"Perhaps it is some of our friends," murmured Ruth. "I believe Russ and Paul started out for a walk before we did."
"That's not two persons; it's only one," declared Alice as she continued to look at the advancing figure. "And see, Ruth, he—he limps!"
She caught her sister's arm as she spoke, and the two girls drew closer together. The same thought came to both.
Was this the man who had run out of the barn?
"I believe it's the same one," whispered Ruth.
"And I'm perfectly positive," answered Alice. "Oh, Ruth, now is our chance!"
"Chance! Chance for what?"
"I mean we can find out who he is, and perhaps solve the mystery."
"Alice DeVere! We're going to do no such thing! We're going to run back home—that man is coming straight toward us!" cried Ruth, and she began to drag Alice away from the bridge.
Meanwhile the limping figure continued to come along the road, going alternately from bright moonlight to shadow as he passed clumps of trees.
