The watchful air is kept up for a period of full ten minutes, and along
with it the solemn silence.
The latter is at intervals interrupted by a word or exclamation--when
some one sees, or fancies, a spot upon the prairie. Then there is a
buzz of excitement; and men stand on tiptoe to obtain a better view.
Thrice is the crowd stirred by warnings that have proved false. Its
patience is becoming exhausted, when a fourth salutes the ear, spoken in
a louder voice and more confident tone.
This time the tale is true. There are shadows upon the skyline--shadows
fast assuming shape, substance, and motion.
A wild shout--the old Saxon "huzza," swells up among the branches of the
live oak, as the figures of three horsemen emerging from the film of the
sun-parched prairie are seen coming in the direction of the tree!
Two of them are easily recognised, as Zeb Stump and Cassius Calhoun.
The third still more easily: for far as eye can see, that fantastic form
cannot be mistaken.
The first cry of the crowd, which but signalled the return of the two
men, is followed by another, yet more significant--when it is seen that
they are accompanied by a creature, so long the theme of weird thoughts,
and strange conjecturings.
Though its nature is now known, and its cause understood still is it
regarded with feelings akin to awe.
The shout is succeeded by an interregnum of silence--unbroken, till the
three horsemen have come close up; and then only by a hum of
whisperings, as if the thoughts of the spectators are too solemn to be
spoken aloud.
Many go forward to meet the approaching cortege; and with wondering gaze
accompany it back upon the ground.
The trio of equestrians comes to a halt outside the circle of
spectators; which soon changes centre, closing excitedly around them.
Two of them dismount; the third remains seated in the saddle.
Calhoun, leading his horse to one side, becomes commingled with the
crowd. In the presence of such a companion, he is no longer thought of.
All eyes, as well as thoughts, dwell upon the Headless Horseman.
Zeb Stump, abandoning the old mare, takes hold of his bridle-rein, and
conducts him under the tree--into the presence of the Court.
"Now, judge!" says he, speaking as one who has command of the situation,
"an' you twelve o' the jury! hyur's a witness as air likely to let a
glimp o' daylight into yur dulliberashuns. What say ye to examinin'
_him_?"
An exclamation is heard, followed by the words, "O God, it is he!" A
tall man staggers forward, and stands by the side of the Headless
Horseman. _It is his father_!
A cry proceeds from a more distant point--a scream suddenly suppressed,
as if uttered by a woman before swooning. _It is his sister_!
After a time, Woodley Poindexter is led away--unresisting,--apparently
unconscious of what is going on around him.
He is conducted to a carriage drawn up at a distance, and placed upon a
seat beside its only occupant--his daughter.
But the carriage keeps its place. She who commands the check-string
intends to stay there, till the Court has declared its sentence--ay,
till the hour of execution, if that is to be the end!