strong black horse, which he caused to turn and wind like a bird
in the air, carried a longer spear than the others, and wore a
sort of fur cap or bonnet, with a short feather in it, which gave
him on the whole rather a superior appearance to the other
fishermen. He seemed to hold some sort of authority among them,
and occasionally directed their motions both by voice and hand:
at which times I thought his gestures were striking, and his
voice uncommonly sonorous and commanding.

The riders began to make for the shore, and the interest of the
scene was almost over, while I lingered on the sands, with my
looks turned to the shores of England, still gilded by the sun's
last rays, and, as it seemed, scarce distant a mile from me. The
anxious thoughts which haunt me began to muster in my bosom, and
my feet slowly and insensibly approached the river which divided
me from the forbidden precincts, though without any formed
intention, when my steps were arrested by the sound of a horse
galloping; and as I turned, the rider (the same fisherman whom I
had formerly distinguished) called out to me, in an abrupt
manner, 'Soho, brother! you are too late for Bowness to-night--
the tide will make presently.'

I turned my head and looked at him without answering; for, to my
thinking, his sudden appearance (or rather, I should say, his
unexpected approach) had, amidst the gathering shadows and
lingering light, something in it which was wild and ominous.

'Are you deaf?' he added--'or are you mad?--or have you a mind
for the next world?'