He saw far behind him, toward the shadows of the swamp, an old woman‚ÅÝ‚Äîshort, broad, black and wrinkled, with fangs and pendulous lips and red, wicked eyes. His heart bounded in sudden fear; he wheeled toward the girl, and caught only the uncertain flash of her garments‚ÅÝ‚Äîthe wood was silent, and he was alone.
He arose, startled, quickly gathered his bundle, and looked around him. The sun was strong and high, the morning fresh and vigorous. Stamping one foot angrily, he strode jauntily out of the wood toward the big road.
But ever and anon he glanced curiously back.
Had he seen a haunt? Or was the elf-girl real?
And then he thought of her words:
“We’se known us all our lives.”