48397 The barren scene, the sense of loneliness, and the mystery and urgency of my task all struck a chill into my heart.
48398 The boy was nowhere to be seen.
48399 But down beneath me in a cleft of the hills there was a circle of the old stone huts, and in the middle of them there was one which retained sufficient roof to act as a screen against the weather.
48400 My heart leaped within me as I saw it.
48401 This must be the burrow where the stranger lurked.
48402 At last my foot was on the threshold of his hiding-place - his secret was within my grasp.
48403 As I approached the hut, walking as warily as Stapleton would do when with poised net he drew near the settled butterfly, I satisfied myself that the place had indeed been used as a habitation.
48404 A vague pathway among the boulders led to the dilapidated opening which served as a door.
48405 All was silent within.
48406 The unknown might be lurking there, or he might be prowling on the moor.
48407 My nerves tingled with the sense of adventure.
48408 Throwing aside my cigarette, I closed my hand upon the butt of my revolver, and, walking swiftly up to the door, I looked in.
48409 The place was empty.
48410 But there were ample signs that I had not come upon a false scent.