The stage was within a hundred yards of Black Bear Swamp when something like a struck it. The horses stopped, and the vehicle was partly lifted from the ground. For an instant it seemed to be going over. The driver and the New Englander started with suppressed , while Wagstaff emitted a cry of alarm, as he and his companion attempted to leap out.  
“Sit still! you’re all right!” shouted Lenman, striking his horses with the whip. They broke into a , and a few minutes later entered the wood, where they were safe from the danger that threatened them a moment before. Indeed, the volley of wind was as brief as a discharge of musketry, passing instantly, though it still howled through the wood, with a effect, which made all wish they were somewhere else.
 
It was so dark that, but for the flashes of lightning, the passengers would have been unable to see each other’s forms; but the horses were so familiar with the route that they needed no guidance. The driver allowed them to walk, while he held the lines to check them on the instant it might be necessary.
 
Wagstaff and McGovern climbed forward, and crowded themselves on the seat beside the New Englander, each firmly grasping his rifle, for, as they advanced into the wood, their thoughts were of the criminal who they believed would challenge them before they could reach the other side.
 
Still the rain held off, though the lightning was almost and continually showed the way in front. The wind, too, , and all began to breathe more freely.
 
“I guess the robber won’t dare show himself to-night,” said Wagstaff, speaking rather his wish than his belief.
 
“What’s to hinder him?” asked Ethan Durrell.
 
“The storm.”
 
The driver laughed .
 
“It’s just what is in his favor—hulloa!”
 
“Gracious! what’s the matter?” Wagstaff, as the team suddenly halted, of their own accord; “let’s get out.”
 
“Something’s wrong,” replied Lenman; “don’t speak or make any noise; we’ll soon know what it is.”
 
While waiting for the flash of lightning to the gloom, it never seemed so long coming. A short time before the gleams were continuous, but now the gloom was like that of Egypt as the seconds dragged along.
 
No one , but all eyes were on the impenetrable darkness in front, while every ear was strained to catch some sound beside the soughing of the wind among the trees.
 
All at once, as if the overwhelming storehouse of electricity could contain itself no longer, the whole space around, in front and above was lit up by one dazzling flame, which revealed everything with the vividness of a thousand noonday suns.
 
By its overpowering glare the figure of a man on horseback was seen motionless in the middle of the road, less than twenty feet distant. He knew of the presence of some one in his path, and he, too, was awaiting the help of the lightning before advancing.
 
“That’s him,’” whispered Tom Wagstaff; “shall we shoot?”
 
Ethan Durrell felt the seat tremble under the youth, while ............