The robbers, as has been said, were standing in a group among a
pine-clump that stood a couple of perches from the road. In this same
clump stood two horses saddled and one harnessed to a sled. The
latter was the chiefs horse, and of course the vehicle was intended
for carrying away the prize. While the villains stood together,
planning a way out of the dilemma, the jingle of sleigh-hells was
heard upon the road leading down to the dwelling.
'Suppose she should be in this,' exclaimed the chief. 'Let us down
to the roadside. I know the old chap's pair, a dappled gray and a
chestnut.' By the roadside they posted themselves, the sleigh moving
swiftly along to the merry tune of the bells, made far more merry by
'the icy air of night.'
The moon was nearly full, but while it waded through the heavy
cloud-masses half the world was dark. It would seem that Diana ought
to keep her fair, chaste head in nubibus when any of her maidens
stand in danger. But she has often been known to suddenly illuminate a
dark place, and show the assassin a victim.
On the memorable night which I am describing she must have been in
one of her heartless fits.
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