In the mean time it grew gradually dark; and
as it became so, every now and then when Edward passed a large tree,
he turned round behind it and looked to see if Corbould was following
him. At last, just as it was dark, he perceived the figure of a man at
no great distance from him, who was following him, running from tree
to tree, so as to make his approach. "Oh, you are there!" thought
Edward; "now will I give you a nice dance, and we will see whose legs
are tired soonest. Let me see, where am I?" Edward looked round, and
then perceived that he was close to the clump of trees where Humphrey
had made his pitfall for the cattle, and there was a clear spot of
about a quarter of a mile between it and where he now stood. Edward
made up his mind, and immediately walked out to cross the clearing,
calling Holdfast to heel. It was now nearly dark, for there was only
the light of the stars, but still there was sufficient light to see
his way. As Edward crossed the cleared spot, he once looked round and
perceived that Corbould was following him, and nearer than he was
before, trusting probably to the increased darkness to hide his
approach. "That will do," thought Edward; "come along, my fine
fellow." And Edward walked on till he came to the pitfall; there he
stopped and looked round, and soon discovered the verderer at a
hundred yards' distance.
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