He might have pointed out the singer to others, but, although
he felt sure, he did not wish to be laughed at in case of mistake.
But strongest of all was the feeling that it had become a duel between
Shepard and himself.
He walked slowly on, keeping the man in view, but Shepard, although he
never ceased singing, moved away at about the same pace. Harry inferred
at once that Shepard had seen him and was taking precautions. The
temptation to cry out at the top of his voice that the most dangerous
of all spies was among them was almost irresistible, but it would only
create an uproar in which Shepard could escape easily, leaving to him a
load of ridicule.
He continued his singular pursuit. Shepard was about a hundred yards
away, and they had made half the circuit of this huge congregation.
Then the spy passed into a narrow belt of pines, and when Harry moved
forward to see him emerge on the other side he failed to reappear.
He hastened to the pines, which led some distance down a little gully,
and he was sure that Shepard had gone that way. He followed fast,
but he could discover no sign. He had vanished utterly, like thin smoke
swept away by a breeze.
He returned deeply stirred by the appearance and disappearance--easy,
alike--of Shepard.
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