ce more in
the region of the supernatural.

I looked neither to the right nor left, but straight before me--straight
at the object of my pursuit, and the distance that lay between us. This
last I continuously scanned, now with fresh hope, and now again with
doubt. It seemed to vary with the ground. At one time, I was nearer,
as the descending slope gave me the advantage; but the moment after, the
steep declivity retarded the speed of my horse, and increased the
intervening distance.

It was with joy I crossed the last swell of the rolling prairie, and
beheld a level plain stretching before us. It was with joy I perceived
that upon the new ground I was rapidly gaining upon the steed!

And rapidly I continued to gain upon him, until scarcely three hundred
yards were between us. So near was I, that I could trace the outlines
of _her_ form--her prostrate limbs--still lashed to the croup--her
garments loose and torn--her ankles--her long dark hair dishevelled and
trailing to the ground--even her pallid cheek I could perceive, as at
intervals the steed tossed back his head to utter his wild taunting
neigh. O God! there was blood upon it!

I was near enough to be heard. I shouted in my loudest voice; I called
her by name. I kept my eyes upon her, and with throbbing anxiety
listened for a response.

I fancied that her head was raised, as though she understood and would
have answered me. I could hear no voice, but her feeble cry might have
been drowned by the clatter of the hoofs.

Again I called aloud--again and again pronouncing her name.

Surely I heard a cry? surely her head was raised from the withers of the
horse? It was so--I could not be mistaken.

"Thank Heaven, she lives!"

I had scarcely uttered the prayer, when I felt my steed yield beneath me
as though he was sinking into the bosom of the earth. I was hurled out
of the saddle, and flung head-foremost upon the plain. My horse had
broken through the burrow of the prairie marmot, and the false step had
brought him with violence to the ground.

I was neither stunned nor entangled by the fall; and in a few seconds
had regained my feet, my bridle, and saddle. But as I headed my horse
once more toward the chase, the white steed and his rider had passed out
of sight.

CHAPTER SIXTY SIX.

LOST IN A CHAPPARAL.

I was chagrined, frantic, and despairing, but not surprised. This time
there was no mystery about the disappearance of the steed; th